The campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins has filed a lawsuit in a Leon County court to disqualify rival James Fishback from the upcoming election. The complaint argues that Fishback does not satisfy the Florida Constitution’s strict residency requirements, which require that a candidate reside in the state for the seven years leading up to the election.
Residency Requirements
According to public records outlined in the legal filing, the Collins campaign alleges that Fishback maintained a legal domicile outside of Florida between 2020 and 2026. The complaint states that during this period, Fishback registered to vote and cast ballots in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Fishback purchased real estate in Washington, D.C., signed mortgage paperwork requiring him to occupy the property as his primary residence, and received a D.C. Homestead Deduction.
The legal challenge arrives amid a highly competitive Republican primary race. In a statement released with the filing, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins frames the lawsuit as an essential measure to protect the party’s chances in the general election.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
