Lt. Gov. Jay Collins recently held a meeting with James Fishback, an anti-immigration activist who claims “the great replacement of American workers is real.” This meeting comes as both men consider running for Governor of Florida, each asserting a desire to continue Gov. Ron DeSantis’ legacy.
James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, has been highly critical of legal immigration and U.S. support for Israel. His outspoken views have led critics online to label him a “groyper,” a term linked to White nationalist Nick Fuentes. Despite this, Fishback continues to make media appearances and talk about a possible statewide campaign. In an interview with Florida Politics, he stated that he seriously considers running for governor if no other candidate aligns with his viewpoints.
Fishback has also expressed strong criticism of Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, a Congressman currently seen as a front-runner among declared candidates. “Unless we see a 180 from Byron Donalds on his immigration, H-1B comments, and on overdeveloping and inviting everyone from New York and their dog to move to Florida, I will have no choice but to run,” Fishback said.
In a recent X Spaces conversation, Fishback revealed that he was “literally driving right now to have coffee with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.” He called Collins a “patriot” during the discussion, which occurred shortly before their meeting in Tampa. Collins did not respond to a text requesting comment about the meeting.
Political observers expect Collins, who was appointed Lieutenant Governor in August, to soon announce his campaign for Governor. Many anticipate he will run with DeSantis’ endorsement. However, the meeting with Fishback raises questions about possible ties to the far-right wing of Florida’s Republican Party.
Fishback recently praised a controversial Heritage Foundation video that defended podcaster Tucker Carlson for platforming Nick Fuentes. This endorsement prompted U.S. Rep. Randy Fine to cancel future appearances with the Heritage Foundation at a Republican Jewish Coalition event. At the same gathering, Byron Donalds vowed not to allow anyone in politics to “demonize Jewish Americans.”
Fishback’s comments to Florida Politics have focused heavily on immigration—including legal immigration. He has called for the deportation of every individual in America holding H-1B work visas and those with temporary protected status. “What we voted for in 2024 was mass deportations, not just of illegals, but full stop,” Fishback stated.
He also criticized what he terms the “great replacement of American workers with foreign workers,” though he insists his concern is solely about foreigners and not about race. “The great replacement is real,” he said. “That’s the truth.”
Fishback praised Governor DeSantis for recently announcing that Florida universities should stop granting H-1B visas to international employees. The Governor said he would call on the Board of Governors for Florida’s university system to “pull the plug” on these hirings, which have attracted students worldwide to Florida schools.
Notably, Lt. Gov. Collins has made no public statements supporting or opposing DeSantis’ stance on this issue.
Fishback’s position on H-1B visas has also attracted attention from others close to DeSantis. Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ former press secretary and current communications specialist, has frequently shared and publicly agreed with Fishback’s posts on X. For instance, she recently echoed his call to deport all H-1B visa holders, posting, “If the entire visa category is ended, they would have to be deported because H-1B would no longer be a valid visa category.”
Fishback maintains that his focus in any gubernatorial race is whether a candidate embraces his worldview. “The way I think, I wish we had a candidate who was America first,” he said. “The only way I join this race is if no one steps up and acknowledges the great replacement of American workers.”
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/763879-amid-governor-chatter-jay-collins-meets-with-anti-immigrant-contender-james-fishback/