James Fishback
Florida governor candidate vows to protect right to criticize 'Israel'
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
James Fishback, a Republican candidate in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, has released a campaign video pledging to protect the rights of Americans who criticize 'Israel'.
In the ad, Fishback argues that public criticism of foreign governments, including 'Israel', is constitutionally protected speech. He warns against efforts to label such criticism as criminal or discriminatory.
"Is Netanyahu a war criminal? Did Israel commit genocide? If you say either of those statements in public, you could be convicted of anti-Semitism," Fishback says in the video. He continues, "Criticizing a foreign government, or any government, is always protected under our Constitution."
- Positioning in a crowded Republican field -
Fishback, a 30-year-old investment firm CEO with no prior elected experience, announced his run for governor earlier this week. He is seeking the Republican nomination to replace outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2026.
The Madison resident joins a crowded primary field that includes US Rep. Byron Donalds, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and several other Republican contenders. President Donald Trump has endorsed Donalds, while DeSantis has not publicly backed a successor.
In the campaign ad, Fishback presents himself as a defender of civil liberties, invoking the country’s founding principles to justify his stance.
"Our Founding Fathers fought and died for that right, and I'll never let anyone steal it from you," he says. "Florida is our home, America is our birthright, and we can criticize whom we please."
