‘I’ll fire every H-1B worker,’ says Florida governor candidate. 7 things to know about James Fishback

Political newbie James Fishback, 30, is the co-founder and CEO of Azoria Partners, an investment firm launched in 2023. (Image credit: X)

A former DOGE architect and hedge fund founder, James Fishback, has entered the 2026 Florida governor’s race with a fiery pledge: to fire every H-1B visa holder working for the state government and cancel contracts with companies that employ foreign workers. His election campaign, built on economic nationalism and cultural pride, has sparked an intense debate online.

"As Florida Governor, I'll fire every H-1B working at a state agency and cancel state contracts with companies that employ H-1Bs instead of qualified Floridians. I will incentivise companies to hire Americans again," Fishback recently shared on X.

The post received close to 50,000 views, but several users were not convinced.

As Florida Governor, I'll fire every H-1B working at a state agency and cancel state contracts with companies that employ H-1Bs instead of qualified Floridians. I will incentivize companies to hire Americans again.H-1Byron won't do jack but shill for his H-1B corporate donors. pic.twitter.com/RZfBzUcvYo— James Fishback (@j_fishback) November 28, 2025

"James, with respect, this is pure political theater," said one X user. "Florida already ranks #1 in new business creation and has near-record-low unemployment. Companies aren’t struggling to find American workers — they’re thriving. If you actually want 'Americans hired first,' go after the real culprits: companies abusing B-1/B-2 and OPT loopholes, not the legal, vetted H-1B professionals who went through years of background checks and payroll taxes."

Another commented, "I like this dude, but he needs to try and sound more like a normal, relatable guy and cut the political act." "Are there even more H-1B visa holders in state agencies, much less in Florida? H-1B visas are overwhelmingly a private sector phenomenon. This whole tweet and proposal is such a useless farce," added a third.

Fishback had earlier also hit out at Indian immigrants in the US and declared, "You can’t make America great again with Indians". Despite the criticism, Fishback appears to be growing his standing on social media. Here are seven things to know about this political newcomer:

1. Roots in tech and finance 

Fishback, 30, is the co-founder and CEO of Azoria Partners, an investment firm launched in 2023. He also runs Incubate Debate, a nonprofit that trains high school students in debating skills. Before politics, Fishback worked as an architect at DOGE alongside Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

2. His big promise: End the 'H-1B visa scam'

On X, Fishback had declared: “I’ll fire every H-1B working at a state agency and cancel state contracts with companies that employ H-1Bs instead of qualified Floridians.” He vowed to incentivise firms to hire Americans and force companies to choose between state contracts or foreign workers.

3. He's hitting out at Republican rivals

Fishback has targeted Republican Byron Donalds, a Trump-endorsed candidate, accusing him of siding with corporate donors. “H-1Byron won’t do jack but shill for his H-1B corporate donors,” Fishback wrote on X, signaling a combative primary ahead.

4. He wants to cancel AI data centres and abolish property tax

Fishback’s pitch includes blocking firms like Blackstone from buying Florida homes, canceling large AI data centers, and abolishing property taxes. He argues legal immigration programmes, including OPT and student visas, displace American workers. “America is for Americans, and we have to stop apologising for that,” he said.

5. Controversial comments on immigration and culture

Fishback invoked the “great replacement” theory, claiming legal immigration undermines American jobs and identity. “You can’t make America great again with Chinese. You can’t make America great again with Indians. You can’t make America great again with Haitians,” he told Meteor Magazine.

He linked his stance to personal experience, saying his father lost his landscaping business after Haitian migrants arrived on TPS following the 2010 earthquake.

6. Anti-DEI investor and cultural defender 

In December, Fishback visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to launch the Azoria Meritocracy ETF, focused on S&P 500 companies that avoid DEI practices. He also rejected comparisons to Indian and Chinese academic standards, defending American traditions like church and Friday night football.
“We’re Americans. We’re talented. We’re smart. And no, we’re not giving up church on Sunday for more math tutoring,” he told students at Boston University.

7. His message: Stop apologising for American values

Fishback frames his campaign as a cultural fight. “The second we stop apologizing for who we are, we will start winning again,” he said.