A legal dispute has emerged within Florida Republican politics involving gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, a hedge fund manager and outspoken conservative figure.Florida Lt.Gov.

Jay Collins filed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Fishback from the gubernatorial race, arguing that he does not meet the state’s constitutional residency requirement of seven years.The challenge is based on public records indicating that Fishback registered to vote in Washington, D.C., purchased property there, signed mortgage documents listing the D.C.property as his principal residence, and received a D.C.homestead tax benefit, all of which Collins claims demonstrate that Fishback did not maintain Florida residency during the required period.

Collins defended the lawsuit as a necessary step to uphold Florida’s constitutional standards, warning that ignoring eligibility rules could risk the outcome of the election.He also suggested that if Fishback disputes the allegations, the legal process should be straightforward to resolve.The move, however, has sparked criticism even among some conservative commentators aligned with the broader MAGA movement.Far-right YouTuber Jack Francis publicly condemned the lawsuit, calling it unnecessary and counterproductive.

He argued that Fishback should be defeated through electoral means rather than legal challenges, claiming that disqualification efforts only reinforce Fishback’s political narrative as a victim of establishment attacks.Fishback himself has been a controversial figure throughout the campaign, trailing behind Trump-endorsed candidate Rep.Byron Donalds in polling.

His campaign has been marked by inflammatory rhetoric and accusations of racial controversy, including a widely criticized incident in which he told a Black commentator “you should be lynched” during a confrontation.His running mate, Sean Lozano, has also faced scrutiny over alleged racist and offensive online statements.

The controversy underscores growing divisions within segments of Florida’s Republican electorate, where disputes over candidate viability, ideology, and campaign conduct are increasingly spilling into legal and public confrontations.