Businessman who often calls Trump-backed Byron Donalds a ‘slave’ is running for Florida governor, DeSantis might endorse him
Florida – As the race for governor of Florida in 2026 starts to take shape, new issues are coming up regarding connections between Gov. Ron DeSantis’ inner circle and a Republican contender who says he is not part of the governor’s political circle.
Sources close to DeSantis have denied it over and over again, but sources who know about the situation say that senior advisers have been in touch with James Fishback, a first-time candidate for Florida governor who has made inflammatory comments in the past.
Fishback entered the Republican race just recently, positioning himself as a candidate consistent with DeSantis’ policy platform as the term-limited governor prepares to leave office. Fishback has maintained in public that he works alone, but someone who knows the relationship says that Christina Pushaw, one of DeSantis’ most well-known advisers, has talked to Fishback, his main adviser, and his uncle, Fred Fishback, a South Florida investor, about the campaign. Fishback’s uncle also confirmed those conversations.
The conversations raise suspicions at a time when many Republicans feel DeSantis has yet to choose on a replacement to support. The current front-runner is U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who holds an endorsement from President Donald Trump but has clashed with DeSantis and his friends. Because of that gap, there is grounds for speculation about whether the governor’s political network is covertly looking at other options.
DeSantis allies have pushed back aggressively against suggestions that they are supporting Fishback, whose internet presence has drawn widespread criticism. Fishback has often referred to Donalds, who is Black, as a “slave” to his donors and has lauded followers of far-right activist Nick Fuentes as “impressive,” sentiments that have disturbed many within the party. When asked about any engagement, Pushaw stated she has no formal role in Fishback’s campaign.
“The story is simply not accurate,” she told NBC News Thursday night. “I do not work for James Fishback and never have.”
Pushaw has been one of DeSantis’ most prominent political characters since his first term, helping establish his messaging and grow his national reputation ahead of his 2024 presidential run. She is known for being confrontational on social media, and she often fought with reporters and critics. This made her very popular with conservative voters. State records show that she has been a Florida state employee since 2021, including a time as press secretary. She now makes $180,000 a year as a senior management analyst.
The question surrounding DeSantis’ future backing comes as Donalds under criticism from numerous sides. Trump’s endorsement has elevated his standing with some conservatives, but it has also intensified criticism from within the GOP. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins has questioned if Donalds’ voting record fits the strong policies he now promotes, notably on immigration.
Recently, the internal strain became public when Donalds and notorious online personality Andrew Tate got into a furious argument. Tate called the congressman a hypocrite and said he had betrayed him personally, saying that Donalds had cut ties with him after asking for help with his campaign. Tate’s statements came after Donalds publicly backed a criminal investigation into Tate and his brother after they went to Florida earlier this year. This attracted quick criticism from state lawmakers.
Donalds has not replied publicly to Tate’s claims, but the dispute showed how past affiliations and public words are becoming political liabilities as the race tightens.
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The issues about Pushaw’s talks with Fishback and the increased examination of Donalds show that the Republican primary is full of suspicion and factionalism. Even informal talks are becoming very important because DeSantis’ endorsement is still up in the air. This suggests that the fight to replace him will be defined as much by secret relationships as by public statements.
