Simpson wins Florida ag race by narrow margin

Wilton Simpson has won re-election as Florida’s agriculture commissioner. The Republican candidate defeated Democrat Joey Mendoza Atkins by a margin of only a few percentage points in the November 3 vote.

The role carries substantial regulatory power. The commissioner oversees farming policy, food safety standards, and the state’s concealed carry permit system. During his first term, Simpson pushed legislation that removed fluoride from the state’s tap water. The office sits within the state cabinet, an executive branch body that makes major policy decisions for Florida.

Simpson brings a long personal history to the position. He is a fifth-generation farmer who managed a large-scale egg-laying operation in the state for more than 40 years. Before his 2022 victory, he served in the Florida Legislature, where he concluded his tenure as Senate president.

His campaign materials emphasize specific economic outcomes. The website states that the department has focused on strengthening agriculture and protecting consumers. It cites efforts to preserve farmland and reduce regulatory burdens as key drivers for securing the state’s future.

The election result confirms Simpson’s hold on the post. He will return to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a second term following the close contest against Atkins.