GOP Candidate James Fishback Sued by Debate Champion Over $8,000 in Unpaid Scholarship

Former national debate champion Briana Whatley sued Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback and his Incubate Foundation for $8,000 in unpaid scholarship money, alleging fraud and breach of contract. A May 2024 recording shows Whatley accepting a $10,000 check; the lawsuit says only $3,000 was paid. Florida's Republican primary is 18 August 2026. A pretrial conference is set for 9 September.