TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback is facing renewed scrutiny after comments surfaced regarding his preferences while playing the video game “Grand Theft Auto.” Fishback, a Republican candidate challenging incumbent Ron DeSantis, reportedly stated on “The Matan Show” podcast that he “preferred playing the Black characters… it felt more authentic” when committing virtual crimes within the game. The remarks, first reported by TMZ, have sparked criticism and renewed attention to a pattern of controversial statements made by the candidate.
The comments approach as Fishback attempts to gain traction in a crowded primary field. While currently considered a longshot candidate, recent reports suggest he’s cultivating a following among younger voters, particularly Gen Z males. This latest controversy, but, threatens to overshadow his campaign and raise further questions about his judgment.
Controversial Remarks and a History of Outspoken Views
The statement regarding “Grand Theft Auto” is not an isolated incident. Fishback has a documented history of making provocative and often inflammatory remarks. In January 2026, during an appearance on “TMZ Live,” Fishback referred to OnlyFans content creators as “whores” and proposed a 50% “sin tax” on their earnings, as reported by Yahoo News. The proposal drew widespread condemnation and further fueled concerns about his views on women and personal freedom.
Beyond these recent incidents, Fishback’s past has also come under scrutiny. In 2022, his company, Incubate Debate, which organizes debate tournaments for middle and high school students, had a working relationship with the Broward County School District. That relationship ended after Fishback was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor, according to NBC News. Fishback has vehemently denied these allegations and disputed having a formal working relationship with the school district.
The “GTA” Comment: Context and Potential Impact
The specific comment about “Grand Theft Auto” has drawn criticism for its racial undertones. While Fishback’s intent remains unclear, the suggestion that he finds it more “authentic” to commit virtual crimes while playing as Black characters has been interpreted by some as insensitive and potentially harmful. The comment raises questions about his understanding of racial dynamics and his sensitivity to issues of representation.
Experts in political communication suggest that such remarks, while potentially appealing to a niche audience, could alienate moderate voters and damage his overall electability. “In today’s political climate, candidates are held to a higher standard of accountability,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of political science at Florida State University. “Statements like these can be easily weaponized by opponents and can have a lasting negative impact on a candidate’s reputation.”
TMZ
The Broader Campaign Landscape
Fishback is running in a Republican primary against incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered a frontrunner for the 2028 presidential nomination. Other challengers include several lesser-known candidates. Polls consistently show DeSantis with a significant lead, but Fishback’s campaign has focused on appealing to a more populist and anti-establishment base. His growing support among Gen Z males, while still relatively small, has raised eyebrows among political observers.
The Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026. Early voting and absentee ballot requests are expected to begin in August. The outcome of the primary will likely determine the direction of the state’s political landscape for years to come.
The Fishback campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the “Grand Theft Auto” remarks. His website, jamesfishback.com, currently features policy positions on issues such as education, the economy, and immigration, but makes no mention of the recent controversies.
As the election cycle progresses, voters will likely continue to scrutinize Fishback’s past statements, and actions. The next scheduled public appearance for Fishback is a town hall meeting in Orlando on April 5th, where he is expected to address questions from voters and the media. The event will be livestreamed on his campaign website.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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