A Republican candidate for Florida governor sparked national outrage after telling a Black voter he should be lynched during a confrontation over sexual misconduct allegations, marking the latest controversy in a campaign built on provocative statements.
Viral Confrontation Draws Condemnation
James Fishback, running in the crowded Republican primary to replace Governor Ron DeSantis, made the shocking statement when confronted by a Black man questioning allegations from Keniah Fort. Fort, who worked for Fishback’s nonprofit Incubate Debate, claims he dated her when she was 17 and he was 27, then stalked her after the relationship ended. Fishback denies these accusations. In the viral video, the voter graphically speculated about the alleged relationship, prompting Fishback to defend himself by asking why he has not been arrested before shouting at the questioner, “You should be lynched!”
James Fishback tells a Black voter that he should be “lynched” after the man asked him about his history of dating minors. pic.twitter.com/0hcivZyc0k
— Justin (@JustinUSA) April 2, 2026
The New York Times reports Fishback built his political brand through anti-woke organizations including a high school debate league and an exchange-traded fund launched at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Columnists Michelle Goldberg and Daniel Wakin describe his embrace of what they call trollish racism and antisemitism appealing to young conservatives. He previously defended University of Florida College Republicans after the group disbanded over a photo showing an apparent member making a Nazi salute.
Trailing in Primary Despite Controversy
Despite attracting attention from the groyper community of young white supremacists, which Fishback claims he does not belong to, he trails significantly in polling. Florida Representative Byron Donalds, a Black Republican and Trump ally, leads the primary race by a substantial margin. Fishback has repeatedly attacked Donalds with racist language, calling him “By’rone” and warning he would “turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto.” He also posted that journalist Don Lemon should be hanged in the public square after coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.
Political Strategy Fails to Gain Traction
Fishback’s inflammatory rhetoric has generated significant media attention but failed to translate into voter support in the Republican gubernatorial primary. His campaign represents a controversial approach attracting vocal segments of young conservative politics while repelling mainstream Republican voters. The lynching comment adds to mounting concerns about his candidacy as the primary race continues with Donalds maintaining a commanding lead over Fishback and other candidates seeking to succeed the anti-woke Governor DeSantis.