Wilton Simpson Reelected as Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Incumbent Republican Wilton Simpson defeated Democrat Joey Mendoza Atkins for the position of Florida commissioner of agriculture.
With 99% of the votes counted, the Associated Press called the race for Simpson, who secured 5,142,629 votes, representing 51.1%, while Mendoza Atkins received 48.9%.
The Cabinet office oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which manages a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Food inspections
- Consumer complaints
- Fuel-quality checks
- Forests and wildfire prevention
- Licensing
- Environmental programs
Simpson has advocated for protecting working farmland, supporting producers, and reducing regulatory burdens. CBS12 previously reported on a statewide farm bill focusing on farmland preservation, food distribution, disaster recovery, and equipment rules, highlighting the industry's $387 billion economic footprint and challenges such as development pressure, weather risks, and higher operating costs.
Wildfire prevention is a key responsibility, especially during severe drought conditions, as Simpson has warned about the increased fire danger due to widespread fireworks use.
Mendoza Atkins has emphasized consumer protection, food access, and environmental concerns, proposing a different approach to the office, focusing on making food systems more resilient, protecting families, and balancing agriculture with water, land, and conservation priorities.
This election is significant as Florida grapples with preserving farmland, strengthening food supply chains post-storms, and protecting water and natural resources. The agriculture commissioner's role involves enforcing rules, administering programs, and influencing priorities regarding farms, food safety, forests, consumer services, and the conflicts between development and agriculture for Florida land.
The winner, who will take office in January, will shape the department's course in these critical areas.