Speed dating has nothing on Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback’s relationship timeline. Just three months after publicly ditching his ex, Fishback has quietly married a woman named Valeria — and the internet’s collective eyebrow is firmly raised.
Here’s the plot twist: Fishback spent much of his campaign trail loudly calling Francesca Raine (known as“Crypto Barbie”) his wife. But in February, he announced their breakup with a confession that would make any strategist wince — he’d been using Tinder to meet young female voters. Smooth move. Now, in May, he’s honeymooning with a completely new spouse and dodging questions about the whole thing.
When the New York Post dared to ask about Valeria and how this romantic speed-run actually happened, Fishback responded by labeling their inquiry as“AIPAC-inspired fake news”while mid-honeymoon. Not exactly a transparent answer, but it certainly answers the question about his communication style.
The timing is almost comically tight. From“my wife Francesca”to“I met someone on Tinder to court voters”to“meet my actual wife Valeria”in roughly 90 days. It’s the kind of relationship velocity that makes even Hollywood blush. And coming from a candidate who made headlines earlier this year by calling OnlyFans creators“whores”and proposing a“sin tax”on their earnings, the whole situation has a certain theatrical irony.
Whether voters see this as a personal matter best left alone or a window into questionable judgment remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Fishback’s ability to keep the spotlight — for better or worse — remains unmatched.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
