rights
GOP gubernatorial candidate to hold rally with MAGA hate pastor who praises Hitler
By Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
James Fishback, a racist and antisemitic Republican running to become Florida's next governor, will hold a rally on Saturday, June 27 with Christian nationalist hate pastor Joel Webbon — a man who blames Jewish people for all social evils, blames teachers for causing men to be gay, blames marijuana
Key takeaway Rep Byron Donalds, a Black Republican endorsed by the president, whom Fishback has repeatedly referred to as a "slave," claiming that Donalds wants to "turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto.
Why this matters
The upcoming rally with Joel Webbon, a pastor known for his extremist views, including blaming Jewish people for social evils and praising Adolf Hitler, raises concerns about the potential impact on Florida's LGBTQ+ community if James Fishback were to become governor. Fishback's own history of racist and antisemitic remarks, as well as his rejection of trans-affirming activism and support for overturning marriage equality, suggests a troubling agenda for LGBTQ+ rights in the state. The fact that Fishback is running against a more moderate candidate, U.S. Rep Byron Donalds, who has been endorsed by the president, highlights the deep divisions within the Republican party on issues of equality and social justice. With only 8% of Republican primary voters currently supporting Fishback, it remains to be seen whether his extremist views will gain traction, but the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and nationwide should be vigilant about the potential consequences of his candidacy.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? James Fishback, a racist and antisemitic Republican running to become Florida's next governor, will hold a rally on Saturday, June 27 with Christian nationalist hate pastor Joel Webbon — a man who blames Jewish people for all social evils, blames teachers for causing men to be gay, blames marijuana
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .