In this undated photo, James Fishback, an investor who formally announced on November 24, 2025 that he's running for Florida governor as a Republican, poses for a portrait. James Fishback 2026 Campaign/AP

Another GOP contender has launched a bid to succeed Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis , teeing up a broader challenge to President Donald Trump’s chosen candidate to lead his adopted home state.

James Fishback, a 30-year-old investor who lives in Florida’s rural Panhandle region, formally announced his candidacy Monday, immediately taking shots at Republican Rep. Byron Donalds , who has Trump’s endorsement and the inside track on the race to replace DeSantis, who can’t run again in 2026.

In an announcement video, Fishback criticized Donalds’ congressional record and echoed talking poi

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