James Fishback, a Florida Republican and investor, has announced his intention to run for president of the United States in the 2028 election, placing himself in the spotlight of the early race to determine America’s next leader.
Fishback made the announcement on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, through a post on X, sharing a video from a public event where he discussed his plans for the future. The declaration comes just months after his unsuccessful campaign for governor of Florida.
Following his announcement, Fishback indicated that he and his wife plan to visit Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina after the 2026 midterm elections to hold public town hall meetings. These states are important stops in the US presidential nomination process, making them strategic locations for candidates seeking to build support ahead of the 2028 election.
However, Fishback has suggested that he will make a final decision about his presidential ambitions after completing the planned visits and reflecting on the next steps. This means that while he has publicly expressed his intention to run, further details about his campaign remain unclear.
Fishback’s presidential announcement follows his unsuccessful attempt to secure the Republican nomination for governor of Florida in 2026. He finished third in the Republican primary, losing to other contenders, including Byron Donalds, who emerged as the party’s leading candidate.
During his gubernatorial campaign, Fishback focused on issues such as property taxes, teacher pay, immigration and opposition to the expansion of data centres. His performance in the primary will likely shape questions about his ability to attract broader support in a national contest.
Despite the setback, his latest announcement suggests that he intends to remain active in American politics and pursue a larger political platform.
Although Fishback has announced his intention to seek the presidency, several important questions remain about his campaign, including the policies he would prioritise nationally, the support he could attract and whether he will formally pursue the Republican nomination.
His eligibility has also drawn attention. The US Constitution requires a president to be at least 35 years old at the time of taking office. Fishback was born on January 1, 1995, meaning he would be 34 when the next president is inaugurated on January 20, 2029.
As a result, his age presents a constitutional obstacle to serving as president following the 2028 election.
Fishback’s planned visits to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina could provide an opportunity to test his message, engage potential supporters and assess the level of interest in his presidential ambitions. For now, his announcement adds another name to the developing conversation around the 2028 US presidential election.
ScoopHub will continue to follow developments in the 2028 US presidential race.
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