Briana Whatley, a second-year history student at Florida State University, has filed a lawsuit against James Fishback, a far-right Republican candidate for Florida governor, alleging he failed to deliver $8,000 in scholarship money she won through his debate organization, Incubate Debate. Whatley secured the awards as regional and national champion of the league-style competition, which Fishback founded to encourage youth political discourse. A recording from May 2024 shows her accepting a $10,000 check for winning the national championship, adding to two $500 area awards.