TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has officially endorsed Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s bid for a second term, adding another high-profile endorsement to what is already shaping up as a formidable re-election campaign.
In a statement released Tuesday, DeSantis credited Simpson with transforming the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after taking office in 2023 and praised his handling of several major challenges facing the state.
“Since taking office in 2023, Simpson has rejuvenated the agency and responded admirably to natural disasters such as this year’s fires,” DeSantis said. “He has earned a second term and I endorse his reelection.”
The endorsement places DeSantis alongside President Donald Trump, who has also publicly backed Simpson’s re-election effort.
Simpson Builds Strong Political Support
Simpson, a longtime Florida farmer and former President of the Florida Senate, was first elected Agriculture Commissioner in 2022. Since taking office, he has focused heavily on agricultural policy, disaster response, consumer protection, and reducing regulatory burdens on Florida businesses and farmers.
One of Simpson’s most significant legislative victories this year was passage of the Florida Farm Bill, a broad package aimed at protecting agriculture, strengthening rural communities, expanding agritourism opportunities, and limiting what supporters describe as government overreach.
The legislation also included protections for gasoline-powered equipment, support for agricultural development, and programs designed to strengthen Florida’s food production and supply chain.
Massive Financial Advantage
As the 2026 election cycle accelerates, Simpson enters the race with a substantial fundraising advantage over every other candidate.
Political committees affiliated with Simpson collectively hold tens of millions of dollars available for campaign activity.
The Friends of Wilton Simpson political committee alone reported more than $10 million cash on hand entering the second quarter of the year. Additional committees supporting Simpson’s political operation have also accumulated significant financial resources.
That financial strength gives Simpson one of the largest campaign war chests of any statewide candidate currently running in Florida.
Challengers Face Uphill Battle
Several Republican, Democratic, and independent candidates have filed paperwork to run for Agriculture Commissioner.
However, most have reported limited fundraising activity compared to Simpson’s operation.
Republican candidates Matt the Welder and Richard Olle have entered the race, while Democrats Donald Prichard and Chase “Andy” Anderson Romagnano have also opened campaign accounts. Independent candidate Kyle Gibson has likewise filed for the office.
As of this week, none of the candidates had officially qualified for the ballot.
Why It Matters
The Agriculture Commissioner oversees one of Florida’s largest state agencies, managing issues ranging from agriculture and consumer protection to emergency response, fuel quality, food safety, and wildfire management.
With endorsements from both Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump, Wilton Simpson enters the 2026 election cycle as the clear frontrunner. The race will test whether any challenger can build enough support and resources to compete against one of Florida’s most well-funded statewide officeholders.
