In a heated start to his campaign for Florida governor, James Fishback, a newcomer in the political arena, has stirred controversy by making comments perceived as racially insensitive towards his opponent, Congressman Byron Donalds. Fishback, who transitioned from Wall Street to politics, officially entered the gubernatorial race on Monday. His main competitor is Donalds, a prominent black Republican representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District, which includes areas like Naples and Cape Coral. Shortly after submitting his candidacy, Fishback’s choice of words to describe Donalds drew significant attention.

During his campaign announcement, Fishback remarked, “Byron Donalds is a slave. I’m sorry – he’s a slave,” suggesting that Donalds is beholden to his financial backers and corporate influences. These statements quickly sparked a backlash on social media, with many criticizing the racially charged nature of the language. In defense of Donalds, Ryan Smith, his campaign spokesperson, told the Daily Mail, “Byron Donalds has long been a staunch conservative voice supporting President Trump and the America First Agenda. He’s accustomed to facing and remains unfazed by racially motivated criticism from online detractors.”

Fishback continued to stand by his comments, further asserting, “If Byron Donalds doesn’t want to be called a slave, then he should stop being a slave to his corporate donors.” He accused Donalds of accepting $30 million from corporate sources, alleging this has compromised his integrity. Fishback’s repeated use of the term “slave” on social media has drawn ire from various conservatives, some suspecting his candidacy is intended to disrupt Donalds’ campaign. Florida commentator John Cardillo expressed concern, suggesting Fishback’s role might be to siphon votes away from a serious contender. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer also weighed in, advising against using such language to describe a Trump-endorsed, black GOP congressman running for governor.

Fishback later responded to her, doubling down and once again referring to the congressman as a slave. Despite his provocative, seemingly veiled racial attacks, Donalds is currently seen as the frontrunner in the race. A new poll from American Promise shows that 43 percent of likely GOP voters back Donalds, while all other Republican candidates, including Fishback, failed to surpass even two percent support. The congressman also has the much-coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Though that may not concern Fishback, who has positioned himself as the heir to Governor Ron DeSantis’ dynasty. The 30-year-old investment firm CEO wrote in his announcement video that he wants to carry on DeSantis’ legacy and keep DEI out of the Sunshine State while clamping down on H1-B foreign worker visas. He also wants to abolish property taxes, a major DeSantis priority, and cancel AI data centers.

‘I’ll fight to preserve Governor DeSantis’ wins by keeping Florida free from DEI, radical transgenderism, Soros-backed prosecutors, child predators, voter fraud and the millions of illegals that invaded our country on Kamala Harris’ watch,’ the 30-year-old candidate said.

Donalds, meanwhile, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and is seen as the mainstream MAGA candidate in the competition. DeSantis has yet to endorse a candidate in the race, though it is an open question whether he would back Donalds, who endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential contest over the Florida governor.