James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida governor, stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating his primary opponent, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), for alleged sex trafficking. Fishback made these claims during a press conference in Tallahassee, citing information from a whistleblower familiar with the investigation. He alleged that Donalds and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) solicited and paid women for sexual acts in 2024 at MGM National Harbor near Washington, D.C. Fishback mentioned that he had contacted Donalds prior to the announcement to provide him an opportunity to address the allegations publicly.
A DOJ law enforcement official, however, denied that there is any investigation into Donalds or Mills for sex trafficking, stating that the investigation into Mills is finance-related and not sexual in nature. Mills has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In response to Fishback's comments, Donalds referred to him as a "clown" and expressed that such allegations are typical of desperation in political campaigns. Fishback indicated that he has instructed his campaign not to run ads attacking Donalds over these allegations, asserting that the matter is not political. The allegations were disclosed shortly before the Republican primary on August 18, where Fishback is currently polling behind Donalds by double digits. Donalds has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.