TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCJB) — A Leon County circuit judge ruled Monday that Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback can remain on the ballot, pending a potential appeal.
The ruling followed a hearing held last week in Tallahassee, where a judge heard evidence about Fishback’s domicile.
Lt. Governor Jay Collins, also a Republican primary candidate, filed the lawsuit seeking to have Fishback removed from the ballot.
The central question at trial was whether Fishback forfeited his Florida residency when he voted in Washington, D.C., in 2020.
With the ruling, Fishback remains a legal candidate for now, though the case could continue if Collins pursues an appeal.
“It’s official. The disgraceful lawfare brought by Jay Collins and fueled by Byron Donalds has failed,” stated James Fishback. “This isn’t just a victory for our campaign. It’s a victory for the Constitution and for every Floridian who believes elections should be decided by voters, not politicians trying to rig the system.”
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2026 WCJB. All rights reserved.