Overview
- James Fishback, 31, said he joined Tinder to reach young female voters and shared a profile that calls for Florida to offer paid maternity leave to all mothers.
- Within an hour of announcing the account, he posted that he had run out of likes and asked supporters to donate so he could buy Tinder Plus for unlimited swipes.
- On Tuesday he posted a photoshopped image suggesting rival Rep. Byron Donalds matched with AIPAC on Tinder, referencing the group’s support for Donalds through campaign contributions.
- The tactic drew online mockery and revived attention to court documents alleging he began a relationship in 2022 with a high school student who worked for his nonprofit; he denies wrongdoing, no criminal charges were filed, and a Florida school district cut ties with his debate group.
- Fishback, an investment firm CEO with low name recognition, previously proposed a 50% tax on OnlyFans creators that drew backlash, and he faces a crowded primary in which Donalds has the president’s endorsement.