Republican Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback says he would impose a statewide public school uniform requirement if elected, arguing that stricter dress rules would reinforce what he calls “order and discipline” on campus.
“As Florida Governor, I will mandate that all public school students come to school wearing a uniform,” Fishback wrote on social media. He laid out specific guidelines, calling for boys to wear “a white polo, khakis, and a belt,” and girls to wear “knee-length dresses or pant suits.” Fishback added that “strong schools are only possible with order and discipline,” according to the post.
In a video shared alongside the message, Fishback said students should “come to school dressed for success.” He repeated the proposed requirements—white polos, slacks, and belts for boys; dresses below the knee or suit pants for girls—and argued that dress standards are tied to classroom respect. In the same clip, he also backed bans on AirPods, cell phones, and drugs on school grounds, saying students can’t expect teachers to respect them if they don’t “respect the way you dress.”
Fishback later took aim at what he described as current trends in student clothing, claiming some children are arriving at school “dressed like the Migos.” He criticized school systems and some parents for allowing what he sees as a breakdown in discipline, and said he would implement a uniform mandate “on day one,” citing another video he reposted.
He has also said noncompliance should come with strict consequences. In response to images of high school students in California, Fishback wrote: “If a student refuses to follow dress code, they’re getting expelled,” according to a post on his account. In that same exchange, he said the state would cover uniform costs for families who need financial help.
Across his posts and videos, Fishback has positioned the proposal as part of a larger push to reshape school culture—one that, in his view, promotes respect for teachers and higher behavioral expectations.
Fishback has drawn attention for a campaign style that leans heavily into unconventional outreach. He recently said he joined Tinder to connect with younger female voters and to discuss policies he claims would make it easier for them to get married, purchase homes, and raise families—an effort he said quickly reached thousands within a day.
He has tied his uniform proposal to what he describes as a broader mission to steer younger voters toward “order, discipline and family formation.” Fishback has said his social-media strategy is meant to meet young people “where they already are,” while pushing what he frames as a cultural reset focused on marriage, work, and personal responsibility.
That message appears to be landing most strongly with younger voters, according to a recent Patriot Polling survey conducted Jan. 19 to Jan. 29 among 827 likely Republican primary voters—results the pollster posted on social media and that were published on the New York Times polling page. The survey showed Fishback leading among voters ages 18 to 29, with 29.5% support compared with 25.1% for Rep. Byron Donalds. Overall, however, Donalds led the field at 37.4%, while Fishback was at 22.6%, with roughly 40% undecided.
The poll suggested Donalds performs best with older voters, while Fishback’s strongest support is concentrated among younger, more digitally engaged Republicans. Fishback has increasingly used online platforms to promote proposals on school discipline, immigration, and higher education, arguing that “culture is upstream from politics” and that campaigns should speak directly to the next generation’s habits and expectations.
Responding to the numbers, Fishback said they reflect how early his campaign still is. “We launched our campaign nine weeks ago. Byron Donalds has been in the race for 12 months,” he wrote. “Solid poll, but the only poll that matters is on August 18, 2026,” he added, referring to Florida’s Republican primary date.
He has also highlighted media appearances as part of his push, including a spot on Tucker Carlson’s program. Fishback said he is scheduled to appear on Piers Morgan’s show on Feb. 4, 2026.
