TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has secured the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, adding another influential statewide business organization to his re-election campaign ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Republican primary.
Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson announced the endorsement Thursday, praising Simpson’s record supporting Florida’s agricultural industry and business community during his years in the Legislature and his first term as Agriculture Commissioner.
The endorsement comes one day after the Florida Chamber also backed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia for a full term, signaling the organization’s early support for Republican Cabinet incumbents ahead of the Florida election 2026.
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce fully endorses Wilton Simpson to continue serving as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” Wilson said.
Wilson described the Trilby Republican and former Florida Senate President as “a champion for Florida’s vital agricultural community and for supporting Florida farmers and consumers alike.”
The Chamber also highlighted Simpson’s previous recognition as a recipient of its Most Valuable Legislator Award, citing his work as both a business owner and public official to strengthen Florida’s economic climate.
Simpson welcomed the endorsement, calling the Florida Chamber a longtime partner.
“We’ve worked together for years to strengthen Florida’s economy, support local business, and keep our state the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Simpson said. “I’m grateful for their confidence and look forward to continuing our work together.”
Endorsements continue to build
The endorsement comes just days after Simpson received backing from Florida Citrus Mutual, adding to a growing list of supporters that also includes incoming Senate President Jim Boyd and House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison.
Before becoming Agriculture Commissioner in 2022, Simpson served a decade in the Florida Senate, including as Senate President from 2020 through 2022.
The Florida Chamber credited Simpson with championing legislation supporting agriculture, including the Florida Right to Farm Act, and continuing to advocate for Florida farmers during his first term in statewide office.
The Florida Chamber has now endorsed both Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson this week, underscoring its support for two Republican members of Florida’s Cabinet as the 2026 campaign enters a more active phase.
Republican primary remains lopsided
Simpson enters the Aug. 18 Republican primary with a significant fundraising advantage.
His campaign committees have accumulated millions of dollars, while Republican challenger Matt Taylor has raised substantially less.
On the Democratic side, Joey Mendoza Atkins and KC Gibson are competing for their party’s nomination.
With endorsements from leading business organizations and legislative leaders continuing to accumulate, Simpson remains the clear front-runner as Florida voters prepare to choose nominees for Agriculture Commissioner.
The Agriculture Commissioner serves on Florida’s Cabinet and oversees the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates agriculture, consumer protection, food safety, fuel quality, and several statewide licensing programs.
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Sources
Wilton Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner (Campaign)
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida Division of Elections – Candidate Tracking System
