Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback’s running mate, Sean Lozano, is reportedly being investigated for his actions while serving as a police officer. Due to Lozano’s outspoken pro-law enforcement stance, the investigation sparked criticism online, as many Florida residents condemned the two Republicans.
According to WLRN, Florida prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Lozano over a March 2025 arrest involving an elderly woman experiencing a mental health crisis at a bus terminal. At the time, Lozano worked as a Lauderhill police officer, and surveillance footage reportedly contradicted his claim that the woman attacked him before he threw her to the ground. There are also allegations that he verbally harassed her.
Due to inconsistencies in Lozano’s reports, the case is currently being investigated by the Broward State Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit. Lozano’s personnel file also includes additional complaints alleging aggressive behavior. However, no criminal charges had been announced at the time of this report.
Floridians Criticize James Fishback
Floridians were unhappy to see Lozano presenting himself as a strong supporter of law enforcement while also being under criminal investigation. On r/Florida, several users criticized both Lozano and Fishback: “Red Rats belong in Jail.“
Others criticized the Republican Party of Florida, as well as its voters: “What gets me is that after 30 years of republicans in charge of the state, people will still vote for that R and think all the issues they created will suddenly be solved.” Someone else added: “The absolute confidence in the millions of voters automatically voting (R), regardless of how awful or unqualified their candidates can be by Florida Republicans, is amazing.”
What some seemingly Democratic-aligned voters wanted, however, was for Fishback and his running mate to fail to secure the nomination later this month while continuing to attack Donalds: “Sincerely hope Fishback gets completely blown out in the primaries and spends the rest of the election season trying to undermine Donalds; I would love to see Jolly come away with this thing.”
Overall, the investigation was viewed as weakening Lozano and Fishback’s campaign, with some arguing that if they believed he was innocent, they should welcome the police’s efforts to uphold the law: “If he’s pro-law enforcement, he should certainly welcome the investigation.”
