Florida Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson shared he has received an endorsement from Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly in his re-election campaign for commissioner.
"Wilton Simpson solves problems with steady hands and clear vision. I am proud to endorse Wilton Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner because his record of supporting sheriffs through disasters and daily challenges shows he will always act with integrity to keep ours the Free State of Florida," Staly said.
Staly was elected sheriff of Flagler County in 2016 and subsequently reelected two times in 2020 and 2024. He previously worked for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) from 1977 to 2001.
Flagler County is located on Florida's northeast coast.
With Staly's endorsement, Commissioner Simpson now has the endorsement of 62 Florida sheriffs, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), U.S. Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ashley Moody (R-FL), and the Florida Farm Bureau Federation are also backing Commissioner Simpson in the race.
Simpson announced his re-election bid in April. A Republican, Simpson has been Agricultural Commissioner since January 2023.
His current term ends in January 2027. Simpson defeated Democrat Naomi Blemur by 19 points in his first election in 2022.
Florida's agricultural commissioner is the head of the state's agricultural industry, including regulation and support. The commissioner also ensures food safety, manages state forests, and oversees consumer services, among other responsibilities.
Simpson served in the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2022 before becoming commissioner. A longtime farmer, entrepreneur, and native Floridian, Simpson has owned and managed a large-scale egg-laying operation in the state for over four decades.
Kyle Chaderwick Gibson, Richard Earl Olle Jr, Chase "Andy" Anderson Romagnano, and Matt The Welder are also running for commissioner, but Simpson is arguably the likely favorite in the race.
The 2026 general election will be held on November 3.
