Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his endorsement of Florida Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson in his re-election campaign through a post on social media this week.
"From 2019-2023 the FL Department of Agriculture was plagued by poor leadership. Since taking office in 2023, @WiltonSimpson has rejuvenated the agency and responded admirably to natural disasters such as this year's fires," DeSantis wrote. "He has earned a second term and I endorse his reelection."
After being endorsed by President Donald Trump in October 2025, Gov. DeSantis's endorsement is arguably the most prominent for Commissioner Simpson in his re-election bid. Notably, DeSantis threw shade at former Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried, who ran the agency from 2019-2023, and is currently the chair of the Florida Democratic Party.
Fried is also the last Democrat to hold statewide office in the state.
Commissioner Simpson's current term ends in January 2027. He defeated Democrat Naomi Blemur by 19 points in his first election in 2022, and likely has a leg up on his competition in the Republican primary in August with President Trump's and Gov. DeSantis's endorsements.
In addition, Simpson has been endorsed by U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody (R-FL), U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, the Republican Party of Florida, and the Florida Farm Bureau Federation in the race. Simpson also has the support 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.
Florida's agricultural commissioner is the head of the state's agricultural industry, including regulation and support. The commissioner also oversees food safety, oversees state forests, and manages consumer services, among other responsibilities.
Kyle Chaderwick Gibson, Richard Earl Olle Jr, Chase "Andy" Anderson Romagnano, and Matt The Welder are all challenging Simpson for the job.
The 2026 general election will be held on November 3.
