Wilton Simpson Re-elected as Florida Agriculture Commissioner
Republican incumbent Wilton Simpson beats Joey Mendoza Atkins, Democratic candidate, for Florida Agriculture Commissioner. Simpson, 60, secured 51.14% of the votes, while Atkins received 48.86%.
This marks Simpson's second term, continuing his undefeated electoral streak. The race was tighter than his 2018 win, where he secured a 19-percentage-point margin.
As commissioner, Simpson oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, one of Florida's three Cabinet members. His duties include regulating agriculture, managing state forests and wildfire response, consumer protection programs, and concealed weapons licensing. The position offers an annual salary of $139,987.90.
Simpson's political career began in 2012 when he won a state Senate seat. He later served as Senate president before running for agriculture commissioner in 2022. He attributes his success to his focus on "strengthening agriculture, protecting consumers, and delivering measurable results."
Simpson, an egg farmer from Pasco County and fifth-generation Floridian, has received endorsements from President Donald Trump, former Governor Rick Scott, and current Governor Ron DeSantis.
FSU Names Building After Simpson
Just before the election, Florida State University (FSU) honored Simpson by naming a new $137.5 million research building after him. FSU President Richard McCullough credited Simpson's early support for the initiative, stating he simply said "done" when informed about the project's cost.
"He believed in us, and we appreciate that," said Peter Collins, FSU board chair. "This is going to be transformational."
Tarah Jean and Michelle Spitzer contributed to this report.