Judge Weighs Whether James Fishback Can Stay on Florida Gubernatorial Ballot

Overview

• The expedited Leon County hearing, which began Tuesday, heard testimony that included Fishback's admission he voted in Washington, D.C., in 2020 and purchased a D.C. home in 2021 and the judge said he would issue a ruling by Monday.
• Lt. Gov. Jay Collins' lawsuit argues those records and other public documents show Fishback was domiciled outside Florida during the seven-year qualifying period required by the state constitution and asks the court to disqualify him and invalidate any votes for him.
• Fishback denies the claim that he forfeited Florida domicile and plans witnesses including family and associates to testify about his intent to live in Florida while Collins plans expert testimony, including a forensic document examiner.
• The hearing featured confrontational moments in the courtroom and referenced a separate federal order that requires Fishback to pay about $1.2 million in legal fees from a dispute with his former employer.
• With vote-by-mail ballots already sent and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds leading polls, any ruling removing Fishback would mostly reshape the contest for second place and could change how undecided voters break before the Aug. 18 primary.