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Trump advisor claims Byron Donalds faces ‘no contest’ in Florida governor race

Alex Bruesewitz called the Florida governor race a ‘foregone conclusion’ and claimed that Trump’s endorsement of Byron Donalds made him the winner

BY SWATI SAKSHI MISHRA

PUBLISHED NOV 29, 2025

Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz insisted that Trump’s backing made Byron Donalds’ win a 'foregone conclusion' and dismissed James Fishback’s gubernatorial bid as a 'scam' (Getty Images)

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: A top advisor to President Donald Trump declared the race to become Florida's next governor a "foregone conclusion," dismissing the field of challengers as "jokers" who stand no chance against Congressman Byron Donalds.

In a wide-ranging interview on 'Florida’s Voice with Drew Steele', Trump advisor and X Strategies CEO Alex Bruesewitz argued that the sheer power of the president's endorsement has already decided the contest.

"Byron Donalds is the Trump-endorsed candidate. He’s going to see an easy victory," Bruesewitz said. "When voters know he has President Trump’s endorsement, he shoots up to like 70 percent. It’s totally no contest."

Alex Bruesewitz calls challenger James Fishback a 'scam artist'

Trump floated Florida congressman, Byron Donalds, as a potential vice presidential pick (Congressman Byron Donalds. gov) — Donald Trump floated Florida Congressman Byron Donalds as a potential vice presidential pick (Congressman Byron Donalds. gov)

Bruesewitz saved his harshest venom for newly announced candidate James Fishback, a 30-year-old investor who recently launched a bid for the governor's mansion.

"This guy is a total scam artist," Bruesewitz alleged, claiming that Fishback's campaign was riddled with financial and personal inconsistencies.

BREAKING: I’m running to succeed Ron DeSantis as Florida’s next Republican Governor to make life more affordable for you and your family.

I’ll stop the H-1B scam, tell Blackstone they can't buy our homes, cancel AI Data Centers, and abolish property taxes. pic.twitter.com/IMDs4kPC9l
— James Fishback (@j_fishback) November 24, 2025

"He was texting me weeks ago asking me to tell the president to hire him," Bruesewitz revealed. "Then today I learn he had his Tesla repossessed in early September... I don’t think a guy who just had his Tesla repossessed is the one you want running one of the largest economies in the country."

The strategist also mocked Fishback's campaign launch, claiming it had "maybe 12 people there" and characterizing his sudden pivot to attacking Trump as a desperate bid for attention.

Polls show Byron Donalds dominating the field

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), speaks with reporters as he is followed by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) as they depart a meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the U.S. Capitol on January 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day, a group of right-wing House Republicans sabotaged their own party's bills in protest of a spending deal the Speaker cut with Senate Democrats. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) — Rep Byron Donalds (R-FL) speaks with reporters as he is followed by Rep Scott Perry (R-PA) and Rep Andy Biggs (R-AZ) as they depart a meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the US Capitol on January 10, 2024, in Washington, DC (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Bruesewitz’s confidence is backed by recent data. Polls consistently show Donalds leading the pack by double digits, while potential rivals like Lt Gov Jay Collins and Fishback languish in the single digits.

"Every poll shows Byron leading overwhelmingly," Bruesewitz noted. "Collins polls at about 1.2 percent; Fishback at about 1.1 percent. They’re wasting people’s time."

While admitting that consolidation behind a single candidate is likely, Bruesewitz insisted it would happen organically because "Florida has fantastic voters" who recognize Donalds' loyalty to the conservative movement.

"He’s been a very loyal defender of President Trump since the beginning," Bruesewitz said. "They’re going to vote overwhelmingly for Byron in just a few months."