James Fishback, a Republican candidate in Florida's gubernatorial primary, said he would close every abortion clinic in the state if elected governor.
In a statement to Fox News Digital on Tuesday, Fishback said he would 'shut down the 53 abortion clinics that remain in Florida' and replace them with crisis pregnancy centers offering free ultrasounds, baby food, diapers, counseling, and prenatal and postpartum care.
Fishback has previously characterized abortion in stark terms. In a post on X last week, he wrote: '100% of abortions are murder. And as Governor, I'll treat them as such.' He also stated: 'It's murder. And I'll prosecute it as such. No more games. Abolish abortion.'
What the Right Is Saying
Fishback's supporters argue his position reflects genuine pro-life conviction consistent with Florida's direction under current Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom Fishback praised as 'the most pro-life Governor in America.'
'Every expecting mom in Florida deserves real support,' Fishback said in his statement, arguing that crisis pregnancy centers provide practical assistance to mothers facing difficult circumstances.
Other Republican candidates in the Aug. 18 primary have also taken strong anti-abortion positions, though Fishback's language has been more sweeping than some competitors. President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the race. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner are also competing for the nomination.
What the Left Is Saying
Abortion rights advocates and Democratic groups have criticized Fishback's proposal as extreme and out of step with most Floridians. They note that Florida voters narrowly rejected a six-week abortion ban in 2024, with the state constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights passing with nearly 57% of the vote.
Reproductive health organizations argue that crisis pregnancy centers are not equivalent medical providers. These facilities, often religiously affiliated, have faced scrutiny for providing misleading information about abortion and not offering comprehensive reproductive healthcare options.
Democratic strategists say Fishback's language—calling abortion 'a holocaust'—may energize progressive voters but risks alienating moderate Republicans and independents who could determine competitive races down-ballot.
What the Numbers Show
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization supporting abortion rights access, there were 49 clinics providing abortions in Florida as of December 2025, down from 53 in March 2024. The group notes these figures represent facilities that provide any number of abortion services.
Florida's constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights passed with approximately 56.8% of the vote in November 2024, exceeding the 60% threshold required to amend the state constitution but receiving majority support from voters.
The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026—more than two months away.
The Bottom Line
Fishback's proposal represents one of the most aggressive anti-abortion positions among Republican gubernatorial candidates nationwide this cycle. Whether it proves to be a winning general-election strategy or a primary-only appeal remains to be seen in a state where voters recently approved abortion protections.
The race includes multiple candidates with strong conservative credentials, making the outcome uncertain heading into summer. Fishback's comments may differentiate him in a crowded Republican field but could complicate outreach to the broader electorate in November.