31-Year-Old Floridian Taps Into Gen Z Anger With Extreme Conservatism

James Fishback's campaign for Florida governor draws young, far-right supporters with nationalist and antisemitic rhetoric.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:04am

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James Fishback, a 31-year-old running for governor in Florida, has managed to bring the paranoid, transgressive, meme-driven spirit of the right-wing internet into the real world. His policies are a mix of extreme conservatism and economic progressivism, with nationalism tinged with socialism. Fishback has made contempt for Israel and its American lobby a centerpiece of his campaign, constantly reminding audiences how much America spends on Israel while their needs are ignored. He is tapping into an increasingly radicalized generation of young Republicans, drawing enthusiastic crowds of mostly male high school and college-aged supporters.

Why it matters

Fishback's campaign highlights the growing extremism within the Republican Party, particularly among younger voters. His embrace of conspiracy theories, antisemitism, and far-right rhetoric demonstrates how some fringes of the GOP are moving further away from the mainstream. While Fishback is unlikely to win the governorship, his campaign provides insight into the shifting dynamics within the Republican base.

The details

Fishback has called for a total immigration moratorium, a 50% sin tax on OnlyFans creators, and $10,000 grants to high-performing high school graduates. He has also made Israel and its American lobby a central focus of his campaign, often using antisemitic language. Fishback has accused Israel of 'roping us into' the war with Iran and claimed that pro-Israel donors get 'sexual, sadistic pleasure' in forcing America to 'bend over' for a foreign country. Despite his slim chances of winning, Fishback has managed to generate significant attention and enthusiasm from young, far-right supporters.

  • In January, Fishback appeared on Tucker Carlson's show and received the host's endorsement.
  • Last Tuesday, Fishback spoke to a packed house at the Queens Harbour Yacht and Country Club in Jacksonville.
  • Last week, the College Republicans of America appointed a new political director, Kai Schwemmer, who is a Fuentes crony and Fishback admirer.

The players

James Fishback

A 31-year-old running for governor in Florida, known for his extreme conservative policies and antisemitic rhetoric.

Tucker Carlson

A Fox News host who has endorsed Fishback and praised his rhetoric.

Byron Donalds

A Black Republican congressman who is the front-runner in the Florida governor's race.

Nick Fuentes

An influential white nationalist troll whose followers, known as 'groypers,' have embraced Fishback's campaign.

Kai Schwemmer

The new political director of the College Republicans of America, who is a Fuentes crony and Fishback admirer.

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What they’re saying

“As President Trump rather eloquently said, we do a little bit of trolling.”

— James Fishback

“James fishback has trustworthy physiognomy, Byron Donalds' on the other hand is deceitful and suspicious.”

— Kai Schwemmer, Political Director, College Republicans of America (X)

“I think it's unfortunate, but the algorithm right now on the right, and the young right in particular, rewards conspiracy, antisemitism and ideological slop.”

— Chris Rufo, Conservative Operative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Fishback's campaign highlights the growing influence of far-right, antisemitic rhetoric within the Republican Party, particularly among younger voters. His ability to tap into the anger and conspiracy theories of Gen Z Republicans demonstrates the party's shift towards more extreme positions, posing a challenge for the GOP's future.