Supporters of Florida Candidate Cite Affordability Concerns

Open white nationalist James Fishback draws some voters with focus on housing costs

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:18pm

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A New York Times opinion writer visited Florida to talk to supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, an open white nationalist polling at around 5% in the GOP primary. Some of Fishback's young conservative supporters cited his emphasis on affordability and housing as motivators for their support, despite his racist views, revealing a changing political landscape where the left may have a unique opportunity to reach these voters.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex motivations behind some right-wing support, where economic concerns around affordability and housing can outweigh or obscure more extreme political views. It suggests the left may be able to appeal to these voters by addressing issues like the cost of living, even as the far right tries to capitalize on similar frustrations.

The details

The article describes interviews conducted by New York Times opinion writer Michelle Goldberg with supporters of James Fishback, an open white nationalist running for Florida governor. Some young conservative supporters, like 22-year-old Jeremiah Kimmell and 20-year-old Charles Metcalf, cited Fishback's focus on affordability and housing as reasons for their support, despite his racist views. Similarly, a registered Democrat named Leicee Guiou said she was considering changing her registration to vote for Fishback in the primary due to his promises on affordability, even though she is a 'big Zohran Mamdani fan.' The article suggests these voters' frustrations around the cost of living and homeownership may be outweighing their concerns about Fishback's extremism.

  • The article was published on March 14, 2026.

The players

James Fishback

A Republican gubernatorial candidate in Florida who is an open white nationalist and is polling at around 5% in the GOP primary.

Jeremiah Kimmell

A 22-year-old supporter of Fishback who runs a land-clearing business and lives with his parents, citing the lack of affordable housing and homeownership as a motivator for his support.

Charles Metcalf

A 20-year-old supporter of Fishback who also lives with his parents, citing the lack of affordable housing and homeownership as a motivator for his support.

Leicee Guiou

A registered Democrat and 'big Zohran Mamdani fan' who is considering changing her registration to vote for Fishback in the primary due to his promises on affordability, despite his racist views.

Nick Fuentes

An open neo-Nazi who is a 'big favorite' of Fishback's supporters, with his appeal 'rooted at least in part in his willingness to acknowledge that there's a problem' with affordability and the cost of living.

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What they’re saying

“We live with our parents. We don't see any end in sight, in that we're not going to own a home. Something has to change.”

— Jeremiah Kimmell, 22-year-old supporter of Fishback

“I would say that there are some things that he speaks for that I agree with, especially about things not being affordable, about the elites purposefully keeping the general population under their control by pricing us out of things that should be considered basic needs.”

— Leicee Guiou, Case worker for foster children and registered Democrat

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex motivations behind some right-wing support, where economic concerns around affordability and housing can outweigh or obscure more extreme political views. It suggests the left may be able to appeal to these voters by addressing issues like the cost of living, even as the far right tries to capitalize on similar frustrations.