In a dramatic turn of events for Florida gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback, his legal team has severed ties with him, citing over $150,000 in unpaid legal fees. This revelation comes amid Fishback’s ongoing legal battle with hedge fund magnate David Einhorn, according to information obtained by The Post.
The court documents highlight that the 31-year-old Republican, known for making controversial statements about Jewish communities during his campaign, has neglected to settle these hefty bills for almost four months. This financial delinquency follows a lawsuit filed against him by his previous employer, Einhorn’s Greenlight Capital.
Fishback, who is poised to compete against Trump-endorsed Representative Byron Donalds in the upcoming GOP primary, is vying to replace the outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis.
In a filing submitted to a Manhattan federal judge on March 12, lawyers from Abrams Fensterman LLP expressed their desire to withdraw from representing Fishback. Justin T. Kelton, one of the attorneys, stated that the candidate’s unpaid fees have reached $150,000 and have remained unsettled for over 120 days.
Kelton further elaborated, “Fishback has communicated to the Firm that (i) he is unable to pay the outstanding and overdue balance, and (ii) he will not be able to pay fees that may be incurred for any future work that may be required going forward.”
When approached for a comment on Friday, Fishback offered a lighthearted response to The Post, saying, “I owe my Mom $20.67 for Chipotle last night. She is the only one I’ll be paying back.”
Greenlight Capital sued Fishback for allegedly failing to repay two promissory notes worth $300,000 the firm extended to him during his tenure there from 2021 to 2023. Wall Street firms sometimes lend cash to staff as a perk, which can be used to help buy a house, cover moving costs, or smooth out taxes on a big bonus.
A Manhattan federal judge granted Greenlight full summary judgment in March 2025, ordering Fishback to pay about $229,000 plus interest.
The latest legal developments come just a week after a separate arbitration case Fishback filed against Greenlight was tossed out completely because he failed to show up.
“Fishback is clearly a con arist,” said US Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican. “Right now, he is grifting off those he has suckered into supporting his campaign.”
Fishback has built up a niche following on social media with a string of antisemitic remarks and calling Donalds, who is black, a “DEI candidate.”
He claimed that “Americans shouldn’t die for Israel” after the start of the Iran war. At a rally at the University of Central Florida in early February, he branded the college’s cafeteria food as “goyslop,” alluding to an alt-right conspiracy theory that unhealthy food is a Jewish plot against non-Jews.
Fishback got attention last year by falsely telling media outlets he was working closely on cost-cutting with the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.
He previously told The Post that he came up with the idea to provide DOGE-dividend checks to ordinary Americans as a result of savings made by the now-defunct department.
Alex Bruesewitz, a media advisor to President Trump, blasted Fishback last November as a “pathological liar,” calling his claims to be involved with the project “a complete fabrication.” Former DOGE spokeswoman Katie Miller has also denied that he had any involvement.
Greenlight Capital sued Fishback in 2024, alleging that he falsely claimed to be the firm’s “Head of Macro” and misstated his investment performance of reaping $100 million in profits to attract investors to his new venture, Azoria Partners.
Their lawsuit also alleged Fishback was a poor performer, consistently failed to meet expectations, and was set to be fired for low productivity before resigning.
The firm also accused the junior money man of violating his employment agreement by sharing confidential portfolio data to help start Azoria.
But that venture saw its two flagship exchange-traded funds liquidated by independent trustees in December 2025 amid limited investor interest and ongoing litigation involving the firm’s principal.
Fishback has also come under scrutiny for a relationship with a 17-year-old high school student. In 2022, the Broward County School District in Florida cut its ties with a debate league Fishback founded after learning of his relationship with the young student, who participated in the program.
Fishback has said the relationship began after she turned 18. The pair later lived together and became engaged.
Last year, the woman — who had also worked for the league — sought a protective injunction, alleging stalking and domestic violence. Fishback defeated the petition in court, denied the allegations, and never faced criminal charges.
Congressman Donalds has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the GOP election, scheduled for August, and is heavily buoyed by his name recognition and Trump’s endorsement.
Still, many voters are undecided. Donalds has backing from 44% of likely GOP primary voters compared to Fishback’s 5% — leaving 45% undecided, according to a recent poll from The American Promise.
A survey from the University of North Florida has Fishback — who has suggested slapping a “sin tax” on Florida’s Only Fans creators — ahead of Donalds among GOP voters aged 18 to 34 by 32% to Donalds’ 8%.
