Wilton Simpson, Joey Mendoza Atkins square off in Ag Commissioner race - Florida Today

November 2, 2026 equipment admin agriculture

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Race: Wilton Simpson vs. Joey Mendoza Atkins

Wilton Simpson and Joey Mendoza Atkins square off in the Florida Agriculture Commissioner race.

The Florida Agriculture Commissioner is responsible for:

Republican Incumbent

Age: 60
Background: Won a state Senate seat in 2012, spent a decade in that office, including a stint as Senate president, before running for Agriculture Commissioner in 2022.
Achievements: "Focused on strengthening agriculture, protecting consumers, and delivering measurable results."
Endorsements: President Donald Trump, Former Governor Rick Scott, Gov. Ron DeSantis
Key Points: "Preserving farmland to reducing regulatory burdens... helping secure Florida’s future."

Democratic Candidate

Age: 41
Background: Trial attorney focusing on negligence cases; degrees from Florida Atlantic University, University of Toledo College of Law, and Milano School of Policy. Provided legal aid for migrant farmworkers.
Platform: Highlights rising cost of living, special interests' influence on prices, and environmental concerns.
Residency: Grew up in South Florida, currently resides in Tampa.

Cost of Living: Atkins criticizes Simpson for contributing to rising costs.
Environmental Concerns: Atkins accuses Simpson of allowing special interests to harm farmers and the environment.
Consumer Protection: Both candidates emphasize their commitment to protecting consumers.

Both Simpson and Atkins easily won their primary elections in August and will face each other in the November 3 election.

Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA, covering Florida's breaking news.