Full Breakdown
Former Gubernatorial Candidate Says He Was Barred from Florida GOTV Rally
By Drooid · · How we work
Clearwater Rally Incident
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback (R) says he and his wife were stopped from entering a Get-Out-the-Vote rally in Clearwater that was hosted by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and listed Sen. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) as special guests. Fishback alleges staff told him he was “not welcome here” and that Byron Donalds threatened to arrest him for attending a public event.
Background and Prior Controversies
Fishback lost the 2026 Republican primary for governor to Donalds. Earlier in the year he claimed his campaign was barred from Waffle House locations statewide after announcing a “hot coffee and warm waffles” voter-outreach tour. He has also faced criticism for alleged inappropriate behavior and racist remarks while campaigning.
Official Statements & Responses
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said Luna’s staff informed detectives that Fishback was not welcome, but added that detectives told Fishback he could not enter the event and that no arrest threat was made.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My wife and I attended an event hosted by Democrat U.S. Senate Candidate Angie Nixon last week without incident,” — James Fishback
- “After everything I’ve done to help Republicans across Florida, this is how Byron Donalds chooses to treat us,” — James Fishback
Data & Statistics
Fishback claims he received nearly 200,000 votes in the primary and won voters under 50 by 13 percentage points. He says he has since endorsed 22 Republican candidates and continued door-knocking and volunteer mobilization across the state.