Florida Candidate Fishback's 'Lynched' Remark Faces Criticism in Viral Video

A video shows Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback telling a Black man he should be lynched, sparking public anger. This follows past controversial comments he made.
By Newsroom | Politics, Florida |

James Fishback, a Republican candidate vying for Florida's governorship, is embroiled in controversy following a viral video capturing a heated exchange with a Black man. During the confrontation, Fishback reportedly told the man he "should be lynched." The incident, which occurred during a public interaction, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and amplified scrutiny surrounding Fishback's public conduct and past allegations.

The exchange, as documented in multiple reports, appears to have been triggered by questions directed at Fishback concerning a prior allegation of a relationship with a minor. The accuser in that separate, previously denied petition, Keniah Fort, alleged that Fishback initiated a relationship with her when she was 17 and he was 27. Fishback, in the viral clip, can be heard responding to the man's pointed questions about this alleged relationship and alleged sexual acts.

Read More: Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi Fires 9 Prosecutors Working on Trump Cases

Republican gov candidate explodes at Black voter: 'You should be lynched!' - 1

Fishback’s own past public statements have also resurfaced, drawing parallels to the current situation. In a social media post from January 30, 2026, Fishback commented on news surrounding Don Lemon, a Black journalist, suggesting Lemon was "lucky he wasn't hanged in the public square for ransacking a church." This prior comment, made in a different context involving a protest at a church, is now being juxtaposed with his recent remarks to the Black man.

Fishback has publicly denied the allegations of a relationship with a minor, with reports indicating he has stated that the claims were dismissed by a judge. The resurfaced petition from Keniah Fort, a former employee of Fishback's nonprofit "Incubate Debate," alleged they lived together for a period before a breakup, and that Fishback subsequently engaged in cyberstalking against her. Fishback's campaign has not offered further comment beyond initial denials of these allegations.

Read More: Former Oviedo teacher Daniel Le Lievre arrested on March 30 2025 for grooming a 13-year-old student

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What controversial remark did Florida candidate James Fishback make?
During a public argument, Republican Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback reportedly told a Black man that he "should be lynched." This comment was captured in a viral video.
Q: Why is James Fishback facing scrutiny over his 'lynched' remark?
The remark was made during a heated exchange with a Black man who was questioning Fishback about a past allegation of a relationship with a minor. The incident has caused significant public criticism.
Q: What is the past allegation against James Fishback?
A petition from Keniah Fort alleged that Fishback started a relationship with her when she was 17 and he was 27. Fort also accused him of cyberstalking after their relationship ended. Fishback has denied these claims.
Q: Have James Fishback's past statements also drawn attention?
Yes, a social media post from January 30, 2026, where Fishback suggested Don Lemon was "lucky he wasn't hanged" for an action, has been brought up again. This comment is being compared to his recent remarks.
Q: What has James Fishback said about the allegations?
James Fishback has denied the allegations of a relationship with a minor, stating that the claims were dismissed by a judge. His campaign has not provided further comments beyond these initial denials.