Multiple outlets report that investor and CEO James Fishback is prepared to launch a gubernatorial campaign in the Sunshine State this week. Fishback, the CEO of an investment firm called Azoria, is reportedly aligned with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. Fishback’s candidacy will set up a clash with Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds. “I’ve heard from Floridians across the state who are hungry for a leader who will build on Governor DeSantis’ historic record and make it easier to buy a home, raise a family, and retire with dignity,” Fishback wrote in a message posted to X. “They want a candidate who will work hard to earn their vote and trust just as President Trump did when he won Florida by 1.5 million votes last year. Byron Donalds is a good man, but he has done nothing in 8 months to show that he can lead a state that my family has known for four generations,” Fishback continued. “I have made my decision, and I will be making a formal announcement very soon,” he concluded. https://t.co/bHHWXXJbDH pic.twitter.com/IVArRrIGnA — James Fishback (@j_fishback) November 11, 2025 The National News Desk noted: He is also the founder of “Incubate Debate” which hosts free high school debate tournaments. President Donald Trump has already endorsed Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds to run for governor of Florida. Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has not gotten behind Donalds, saying that it’s because he hasn’t been part of any victories in Florida these past few years, according to local media. America First candidate James Fishback will "imminently" announce candidacy for Governor of Florida. Fishback says he wants to prioritize the revival of Christian values in Florida, protect workers, ban H-1B visas, and revitalize homeownership for Floridians. Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/JAf1HpzA4c — AF Post (@AFpost) November 11, 2025 Fishback said he accepted an invitation to debate Donalds on Newsmax this week. “NEWSMAX has graciously invited @ByronDonalds and me to a live TV debate in primetime this Thursday or Friday. I accept. Let’s debate our policy visions for Florida, and let the voters decide who their next Governor should be,” Fishback said. NEWSMAX has graciously invited @ByronDonalds and me to a live TV debate in primetime this Thursday or Friday. I accept. Let's debate our policy visions for Florida, and let the voters decide who their next Governor should be. pic.twitter.com/U2hBLfCf07 — James Fishback (@j_fishback) November 11, 2025 Florida Politics has more: He will run on a starkly anti-immigration platform and a “Florida First” message. He also has signaled an allegiance to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will wrap his second term next year and cannot run again because of term limits. “Gov. Ron DeSantis has a historic record I would be honored to preserve and build upon,” Fishback told Florida Politics. “I want to ensure every family in Florida can buy a home, obtain a good-paying job and retire with dignity.” The Madison Republican notably met recently with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a former state Senator many expected to launch his own campaign for Governor as soon as this week. Fishback has repeatedly called Collins a “patriot,” but also suggested Collins’ political moves won’t affect his own. But Fishback has been deeply critical of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who launched his campaign for Governor earlier this year. Most notably, Fishback has called on an end to the H-1B visa program, which allows foreign individuals to live in the U.S. legally to work in specialty occupations. That’s a system Donalds has said needs an “overhaul” but he has not called for its disposal. “I want to end and deport every H-1B,” he said. “If a job held by an H-1B foreigner could be filled by a Floridian, that upholds a slanderous lie, which is that Americans are lazy, unqualified and unskilled, and that’s nonsense.”