ORLANDO, Fla. – After promising a variety of far-reaching proposals in recent months, candidate for Florida governor James Fishback is coming out with yet another: a new requirement for high school graduation.
On President’s Day, Fishback took to X to announce the plan.
According to Fishback, he would require all high school students to get up in front of class and explain who their favorite president is and why for five minutes — all without notes.
“Their accomplishments, the ups and downs, their greatest weakness, historical context, the backdrop of their presidency,” he said. “Think about this: it reinforces history, government, civics, and appreciation of American culture. And lastly, the ability to speak publicly without notes is essential to the modern workplace.”
It’s Presidents’ Day.
Sadly too many young people don’t know what this day represents.
As Florida Governor, I’ll require that every high school student articulate who their favorite president is & why in front of their class for 5 mins without notes.
Graduation requirement. pic.twitter.com/pt3ZnApv0P
— James Fishback (@j_fishback) February 16, 2026
It’s not the first time that Fishback has grabbed headlines with his proposals and campaign activity, though.
Fishback, a Republican competitor for Ron DeSantis’ position, is campaigning to stop H-1B visas for foreign workers, cancel A.I. data centers, and abolish property taxes, much in the same vein as current Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Other proposals include:
Major Sin Tax: A 50% tax on OnlyFans creators in the state, with funding going toward public education and crisis pregnancy centersMandatory School Uniforms: Required uniforms in all public schools, with families receiving $250 stipends per child to help purchase the necessary clothesMamdani Tax: A $50,000 tax levied on out-of-state buyers trying to purchase a single-family home in FloridaHomeless Sweep: Sending the National Guard to remove every single homeless person from Florida’s streets
[BELOW: Florida governor candidate Byron Donalds on property taxes]
But out of all the candidates in the race so far, the data shows that only 3% of respondents said they would be willing to vote for Fishback.
[BELOW: David Jolly launches Democratic run for Florida governor]
The primary election is slated for Aug. 18.
Meanwhile, the general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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