Former Florida Governor Candidate James Fishback Eyes 2028 Presidential Run as New Poll Reveals Early GOP Favorites

Former Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback has announced plans to pursue a possible 2028 presidential campaign, just months after losing his party’s primary for governor. His announcement comes as new polling offers an early look at potential White House contenders, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attracting significant Republican support.

Fishback, an investment executive who campaigned on immigration restrictions, housing affordability, and tax reform, revealed his presidential ambitions in a social media post on October 28, 2026.

The announcement quickly attracted attention because of his recent gubernatorial campaign and the questions surrounding his possible entry into a much larger national political contest.

However, Fishback has indicated that a formal campaign announcement and additional details are still forthcoming.

James Fishback Announces Plans for a 2028 Presidential Campaign

Fishback shared a video on X showing him responding to a question about his political future.

During the exchange, he stated that he intended to run for president.

The video ended with him saying he was joking, creating some initial uncertainty about whether the declaration was serious.

However, when contacted by Orlando television station News 6, Fishback confirmed that he was serious about his intentions.

He also told reporters that additional information about his plans would follow.

In a separate statement, Fishback said he and his wife intended to visit Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina to hold public town halls before he announced his final decision.

These states are traditionally important destinations for politicians seeking early support in presidential nomination contests.

His comments therefore represent an expression of presidential ambitions rather than confirmation that a fully organized campaign has begun.

Fishback Previously Ran for Florida Governor

Before discussing a possible presidential campaign, Fishback entered Florida’s 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary.

He launched his candidacy in November 2025 as a conservative challenger seeking to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis.

Fishback founded the investment company Azoria and established Incubate Debate, a nonprofit organization focused on student debate opportunities.

His campaign emphasized economic affordability, immigration restrictions, and proposals intended to reshape Florida’s housing market.

Among his policy positions were measures to restrict certain employment visas, discourage large corporate purchases of residential properties, and eliminate property taxes.

He also opposed the development of large artificial intelligence data centers, citing concerns about their potential economic and community impacts.

These proposals distinguished his campaign from several other Republican candidates.

Byron Donalds Defeated Fishback in the Republican Primary

Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary took place on August 18, 2026.

Congressman Byron Donalds, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement, finished first in the crowded Republican field.

According to official results published by the Florida Division of Elections, Donalds received 811,131 votes, approximately 47.8% of the total.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins finished second with 427,014 votes, or about 25.2%.

Fishback placed third, receiving 177,809 votes, approximately 10.5%.

Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner finished fourth with roughly 8.5%.

The outcome ended Fishback’s campaign for governor but did not end his interest in seeking public office.

Donalds subsequently advanced to the general election, where he defeated Democratic nominee David Jolly in November.

New Poll Shows JD Vance Ahead in Early Republican Preferences

Fishback’s potential presidential ambitions come as Republican voters begin considering possible candidates for the 2028 election.

A New York Times/Siena University survey conducted in October 2026 asked Republican primary voters about their preferred presidential nominee.

Vice President JD Vance received support from 33% of respondents.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed with 23%.

President Donald Trump received 8%, although the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment prevents a person from being elected president more than twice.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received 3%.

Another 26% of Republican respondents said they were undecided.

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