A Florida gubernatorial candidate embarked on an unconventional campaign tactic this week: joining Tinder. James Fishback, a 31-year-old CEO, announced his foray into the dating app with a clear objective – to connect with young female voters in the Sunshine State.
Fishback shared his strategy on social media, explaining he aimed to reach potential voters “where they are” and discuss his vision for their future. His profile highlighted a key policy proposal: advocating for paid maternity leave for all mothers in Florida.
The campaign’s initial momentum was surprisingly swift, and almost immediately ran into a practical hurdle. Within an hour of launching his profile, Fishback publicly requested donations to unlock Tinder’s premium features, specifically to replenish his limited “likes.”
Fishback is vying to replace the term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis, entering a competitive Republican primary. He faces challengers including U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins.
Beyond maternity leave, Fishback’s platform reveals a strong stance on cultural issues. He has previously proposed a significant tax on content creators utilizing platforms like OnlyFans, framing it as a response to perceived societal decline.
In past statements, Fishback expressed concern over shifting aspirations among young women. He contrasted a traditional focus on careers like medicine and law with the rise of online platforms that, in his view, normalize the commercialization of personal content.
His proposed “sin tax” reflects a broader commitment to what he describes as combating “cultural degeneracy” should he be elected governor. This stance positions him as a conservative voice within the already crowded Republican field.
