Trump Backs Simpson for Re-Election as Florida Agriculture Chief

Trump gives his complete endorsement to Wilton Simpson, the fifth-generation Floridian and egg farmer who has led the state's Department of Agriculture since 2023.

First Published: August 3, 2026, 3:20 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump endorsed Wilton Simpson for re-election as Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, calling the fifth-generation egg farmer a strong and popular steward of the state’s farmers and ranchers.

Simpson, the 13th person to hold the post, has led the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services since January 3, 2023, according to ballotpedia.org. Trump framed the backing around his own record in Florida, citing six statewide wins and 6.1 million votes in 2024.

“Commissioner Wilton Simpson has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “Wilton Simpson is the strong and highly popular Agriculture Commissioner for Florida, my “Home” State, which I love and won SIX times, including with 6.1 Million Votes in 2024, the most in History (BY FAR)! Wilton is a Fifth Generation Floridian, lifelong Egg Farmer, successful Businessman, former President of the State Senate, and now, as Agriculture Commissioner, has served the Sunshine State during a career “loaded up” with accolades and wins. A true America First Patriot, who has been with us from the very beginning, Wilton is an incredibly effective Voice for Florida Agriculture, and our amazing Farmers and Ranchers. He is fighting tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Commissioner Wilton Simpson has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” on August 3, 2026 at 6:52 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 29th message released today, and the last post was 24 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 92 of his 485 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Simpson, born in Lakeland, Florida, in 1966, built his career around farming and state government. He owned and managed a large-scale egg-laying operation for over four decades, supplying grocery stores across the state, according to ballotpedia.org. He served in the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2022 and led the chamber as Senate president from 2020 to 2022 before winning the agriculture post.

The endorsement carries weight because the commissioner runs one of Florida’s largest state agencies, overseeing food safety, consumer protection, agricultural regulation and concealed-weapon licensing. Farmers and ranchers who depend on the department’s programs stand to gain from continuity in leadership, while rival candidates lose the advantage of an open seat. Simpson’s current term concludes on January 5, 2027, according to ballotpedia.org.

Florida’s agriculture sector ranks among the nation’s largest, with citrus, cattle and vegetable production spanning the state. The office sits within the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the trade group representing agriculture commissioners nationwide, according to nasda.org. The Florida Chamber of Commerce tracks the sector as a core driver of the state economy, according to flchamber.com.

The endorsement matters little to voters outside Florida, yet it signals how Trump continues to shape down-ballot races that decide who regulates the nation’s food supply. Consumers nationwide buy Florida produce and citrus, so leadership at the agency touches grocery shelves far beyond the state line.

This has happened before. Trump has issued endorsements across state and local races throughout his political career, backing loyal officials who echo his policy priorities on the border, energy and taxes.

Voters will decide the race at the ballot box, with Florida’s next general election set for November 3, 2026. Simpson faces re-election under a term that runs until early 2027, according to ballotpedia.org.

Trump’s alliance with Florida officials isn’t the first time a president has leaned on the Sunshine State’s power brokers. Simpson steered passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021 as Senate president, adding 8 million acres of protected lands to the state’s conservation network, according to ballotpedia.org. He later became embroiled in a public dispute with Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025 over immigration enforcement, a rift that exposed fault lines within the state Republican establishment. That record shaped his standing as he moved into the agriculture office he now seeks to keep.