Wilton Simpson, the Republican incumbent Florida agriculture commissioner, is running for a second term in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Simpson, a Pasco County resident, faces Democrat Joey Atkins.

Simpson is a fifth-generation Floridian born in Lakeland.

He lives in Pasco County with his wife Kathy.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Office sought: Florida Agriculture Commissioner
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Opponent: Joey Atkins (Democratic)
  • Residence: Pasco County
  • Born: June 28, 1966, Lakeland, Florida
  • Education: Associate's degree, Pasco-Hernando State College (1997)

Experience and public service

Simpson has held the agriculture commissioner post since 2023, according to BallotReady profile data. Before that, he served as a state senator representing District 10 from 2012 to 2022.

He rose to majority leader of the Florida Senate from 2016 to 2018. He then served as Senate president from 2020 to 2022, according to his Wikipedia page and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Outside public office, Simpson owns and operates Simpson Farms and Simpson Environmental Services, Inc., according to BallotReady profile data.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Simpson's campaign website and official state biography. Each reflects the candidate's own stated priorities.

Agriculture and food security: Simpson says defining agriculture as a national security issue in Florida was among his top priorities upon taking office as commissioner.

Land conservation: Simpson says he has prioritized preserving agricultural lands through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which acquires permanent agricultural land conservation easements.

Environment and conservation: Simpson says he championed the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021, which he says added 8 million acres of protected lands for wildlife to the 10 million acres already under state protection.

Second Amendment: Simpson says defending Second Amendment rights was among his top priorities upon taking office as agriculture commissioner.

Public safety and veterans: Simpson says he supports law enforcement and veterans, according to his campaign website.

Endorsements

The following endorsements are claimed by the endorsing organizations, according to BallotReady profile data:

  • South Florida Police Benevolent Association
  • Florida Police Benevolent Association
  • Florida Professional Firefighters
  • Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board