A key advisor to Governor Ron DeSantis has revealed regret and repudiation over her months-long engagement with a candidate seeking to replace him. Reports indicate that she initiated contact months ago, drawn by his bold approach to conservative politics.
“In October 2025, I met James Fishback after he sent me a direct message on X. I appreciated his commentary on conservative politics and Florida. For two months, we spoke frequently, and I offered him advice on his gubernatorial campaign,” Christina Pushaw said Sunday night.
Pushaw, who reportedly earns $155,000 a year as a senior advisor to DeSantis, emphasized that she was never employed by Fishback, never received compensation, and never informed the governor about their communications.
Although she claims to have disagreed with Fishback’s rhetoric as it became “more extreme over time,” the specifics of their agreements and disagreements remain unclear. Notably, Fishback’s extremism included repeatedly describing Representative Byron Donalds using various racist tropes. However, Pushaw stated this was not the ultimate deal-breaker.
Instead, the severance came after Fishback allegedly betrayed her trust. “I had to cut ties with James Fishback because I learned that he had deceived me, violated my trust, and lied about me to numerous people in media and politics,” she asserted.
Pushaw firmly denied ever having a “romantic or sexual relationship” with Fishback. She claims that the candidate’s accusations are attempts to distract from a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation into him.
“Fishback has been spreading deeply personal, hurtful, and false rumors about me. He has claimed that we were romantically involved. He has even threatened to falsely accuse me of sexual harassment,” Pushaw said, labeling Fishback as “dangerous” and intent on smearing her reputation.
In her statement, Pushaw also extended apologies to Rep. Byron Donalds, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, and his wife for having “coarsened the primary campaign and made it more toxic than it needed to be,” though she did not clarify what would constitute an appropriate level of campaign civility.
She further apologized to Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis “for any embarrassment that my communication with James Fishback might ever bring on this office.” Pushaw stated, “They had absolutely no idea and would never have condoned my communications with him.”
Acknowledging the potential fallout, Pushaw expressed readiness to accept consequences. “I am fine with whatever fate awaits me. If this catastrophic error of judgement makes me unemployable, so be it. I made a mistake. I admitted to it. I want to make it right, and if that means never working in politics again, it’s a consequence I am ready to accept.”
Fishback’s interactions with figures in DeSantis’ inner circle have drawn public interest. This includes a coffee meeting with Lt. Governor Collins last year as Fishback considered a gubernatorial bid, and reported conversations with Taryn Fenske, another top aide.
Since arriving in Tallahassee, Pushaw has been known for her combative stance toward the media and political opponents of the Governor. She has weathered numerous controversies, including the retroactive disclosure of her work as a foreign agent before joining DeSantis’ team.
Now, with this retroactive disclosure of electioneering activities conducted from a taxpayer-funded position, the political ramifications remain uncertain. Observers await to see what consequences, if any, will follow.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/774578-pushaw-fishback/