GOP Candidate Sued Over Unpaid Scholarship by Former Debate Champion

Former debate champion Briana Whatley sued Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback and his Incubate Foundation for $8,000 in unpaid scholarship funds, 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 August 18, 2026. A pretrial conference is set for September 9.