James Fishback flops in debut fundraising report

When it comes to raising money for his extremely online campaign for Florida Governor, Republican James Fishback is a fish out of water.

Despite weeks of earned media on various national outlets, it appears Floridians have little interest in writing the Madison Republican a check. His first fundraising report, encompassing activity through the end of last year, is more suited to a campaign for a Soil and Water Board than one to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Fishback raised an anemic $950 since opening his campaign account, a number that looks even worse when his list of very small-dollar donors is considered.

Campaign Treasurer and “Chief Strategy Officer” Alexander Munguia got the ball rolling by contributing a whopping $50.

Aaron Baker, a repeat candidate for U.S. Congress whom Fishback touted in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson as his preference over U.S. Rep. Randy Fine in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, chipped in $100.

Benjamin Salyers, a fireman from Palm Bay, led all donors with $500 contributed.

Munguia also leads the Florida First PAC, a vehicle to accommodate donors who wish to give above state contribution limits. The account has yet to receive one contribution.

We reached out to Munguia for some context for the fundraising report, but did not immediately hear back Tuesday morning.

Fishback is far behind every plausible candidate in the race in terms of resources.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has repeatedly been called a “slave” and other pejoratives by Fishback, ended 2025 with roughly $45 million raised.

Former House Speaker Paul Renner, who hasn’t gotten nearly the national showcase Fishback has despite a record of conservative accomplishments in Tallahassee, raised nearly $5.5 million by the end of 2025.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins just launched his campaign Monday, but his first fundraising report likely will show he belongs in the race.

National media has given Fishback a platform befitting a serious candidate, though that effort is turning into a punchline given the laughably low amount Fishback has raised in an open race.