A senior aide to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, communications director Christina Pushaw, has spoken with Republican gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback and with Fishback’s uncle, investor Fred Fishback, about the candidate’s 2026 primary campaign.
Key interactions
Pushaw reportedly discussed Fishback’s bid with the candidate, his top adviser and Fred Fishback, according to people close to the family and the uncle himself. The conversations included a “nice talk” in which Pushaw expressed admiration for the candidate’s rapid‑fire conservative social‑media posts and said she reached out because she liked his Twitter content.
Denials and contradictory statements
When asked about any role in Fishback’s campaign, Pushaw told NBC News the story was “not accurate” and that she never worked for the candidate. Pushaw later claimed she does not know Fred Fishback, while the elder Fishback said he had spoken with her on the phone and that she asked “financial‑type questions” but did not request contributions.
Fishback himself asserted that his uncle was “dead wrong” about the discussions and emphasized that Pushaw does not work for him. He added that he had a dinner with Pushaw in October, describing her as “brilliant,” but said he barely involves his uncle in the campaign.
Broader context
Fishback entered the Republican primary last month as a pro‑DeSantis candidate, positioning himself behind the outgoing governor’s agenda. The front‑runner, Rep. Byron Donalds, carries former President Donald Trump’s endorsement and is at odds with DeSantis, fueling speculation that the governor may be scouting a preferred successor.
Other DeSantis advisers have also been in touch with Fishback. A separate report noted that adviser Taryn Fenske communicated with the candidate, and campaign aide Alex Mungia told a dinner companion that the campaign had “directly” talked with Pushaw, implying “full support of DeSantis’ team.”
Fishback’s public remarks have drawn criticism. He has called Rep. Donalds a “slave” to political donors and praised followers of far‑right activist Nick Fuentes as “impressive.” Those comments have heightened scrutiny of any perceived ties to the DeSantis administration.
Fishback later alleged that Lt. Gov. Jay Collins pressured his uncle to urge him out of the race and endorse Collins. Pushaw retweeted Fishback’s post, while Collins’ office dismissed the claim as “not false and fabricated stories.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Christina Pushaw work for James Fishback’s campaign?
Pushaw told NBC News she has never worked for Fishback and that the story linking her to the campaign is inaccurate.
What did Fred Fishback say about his conversations with Pushaw?
Fred Fishback said he had a “nice talk” with Pushaw, described her as “smart,” and noted she reached out after admiring his nephew’s social‑media activity. He later clarified in a text that neither he nor Fishback asked for financial support.
Are other DeSantis advisers in contact with Fishback?
Yes. A separate report identified adviser Taryn Fenske as communicating with Fishback, and campaign aide Alex Mungia indicated the campaign had spoken directly with Pushaw.
How might these revelations affect the upcoming Florida governor’s race?