NewsWFLA (NBC 8) — Pinellas CountyOctober 25, 2026Pinellas County
James Fishback states he was denied entry to Florida Republicans' Clearwater rally
Photo: WFLA (NBC 8) — Pinellas County
Former gubernatorial candidate James Fishback stated that he and his wife were blocked from entering a public Get Out the Vote rally in Clearwater, Florida, hosted by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on Saturday. Representatives for Rep. Byron Donalds and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office disputed claims that arrests were threatened, clarifying that staff requested he not be admitted.
Read the full story at WFLA (NBC 8) — Pinellas CountyWhy It Matters
A political candidate alleges being barred from a public campaign event and threatened with arrest, while campaign staff and law enforcement dispute the account of the incident.
Key Facts
- Former gubernatorial candidate James Fishback stated he and his wife were stopped from entering a Get Out the Vote rally in Clearwater, Florida.
- The rally was hosted by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on Saturday and listed Rep. Byron Donalds and Sen. Ashley Moody as special guests.
- Fishback alleged that Byron Donalds threatened to have him and his wife arrested for attending the public event.
- Gates McGavick, representing Donalds' campaign, stated on X that Fishback's claim was a lie and that Donalds did not host the event or threaten anyone with arrest.
- The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported that Luna’s staff advised detectives Fishback was unwelcome, but detectives did not issue an arrest threat.
- Fishback previously stated his campaign was banned from Waffle House restaurants across Florida earlier this year after planning visits to connect with voters.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationCBS 12“Local news station that reported on the incident.”OrganizationPinellas County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency that stated Luna's staff advised detectives Fishback was ”PersonAshley Moody“U.S. Senator listed as a special guest at the rally.”locationFlorida“State where the rally and previous campaign events occurred.”locationClearwater“City in Florida where the rally took place.”PersonBarack Obama“Former U.S. President referenced by Fishback regarding past political events att”PersonGates McGavick“Communications handler for Donalds’ campaign who disputed Fishback's claims.”PersonDonald Trump“Former U.S. President referenced by Fishback regarding past political events att”PersonAnna Paulina Luna“U.S. Representative hosting the Get Out the Vote rally in Clearwater, Fla.”PersonBernie Sanders“U.S. Senator referenced by Fishback regarding past political events attended.”PersonJames Fishback“Former gubernatorial candidate who stated he was blocked from entering the rally”OrganizationThe Hill“Media publication covering the report.”PersonGeorge W. Bush“Former U.S. President referenced by Fishback regarding past political events att”PersonByron Donalds“U.S. Representative listed as a special guest at the rally.”OrganizationWaffle House“Restaurant chain that previously banned Fishback's campaign.”