MIAMI, Fla. — James Fishback defended his property-tax plan and addressed controversial remarks during a WPLG Local 10 interview ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 GOP primary race.
“I’m running for governor to eliminate your property tax bill,” Fishback told host Janine Stanwood as he promoted affordability as the central issue of his campaign ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Republican primary.
The interview also turned to language that has generated criticism throughout Fishback’s campaign. Stanwood questioned him about using the words “slave” and “lynched” while speaking to Black people and asked whether those choices were intentional.
Fishback did not directly address the intent behind the remarks. Instead, he criticized Republican front-runner Byron Donalds’ campaign donors and argued that Florida voters are more concerned about property taxes, electricity bills and other household expenses than his choice of words.
Fishback reiterated that eliminating property taxes for Florida homeowners remains one of the cornerstone proposals of his campaign. He argues the plan would apply to homesteaded properties while maintaining funding for essential local services through spending reductions and other revenue sources. His campaign contends local government spending has increased significantly in recent years and says efficiencies could offset the lost tax revenue.
The proposal has become one of the most closely watched policy ideas in Florida’s 2026 governor’s race, drawing both praise from supporters seeking lower housing costs and skepticism from critics who question how local governments would replace billions of dollars in annual property tax revenue used to fund schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and other public services.
During the interview, Fishback also answered questions about previous controversial statements that have generated criticism throughout the campaign. He defended his positions while arguing that voters should focus on his policy proposals and vision for Florida rather than campaign rhetoric.
Sunday’s appearance comes at a pivotal moment in the Republican primary, with early voting underway in many counties and vote-by-mail ballots already being returned ahead of the Aug. 18 election.
The television interview follows a significant legal victory for Fishback last week, when a Leon County circuit judge rejected a residency challenge brought by fellow Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, allowing Fishback to remain on the statewide ballot. Collins had argued Fishback failed to satisfy Florida’s constitutional seven-year residency requirement, but the court ruled the challenge did not establish that Fishback had abandoned his Florida residency.
Fishback remains one of several Republicans seeking the party’s nomination for governor in a race that also includes U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. The Republican nominee will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
