The race for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services is heating up heading into the August 18, 2026, statewide primary election. As one of Florida’s key executive Cabinet posts—overseeing state agriculture, food safety, state forests, and concealed weapons licensing—both party primaries present clear choices for voters.
🔴 Republican Primary
The Republican primary features a high-profile incumbent facing a grassroots challenger:
- Wilton Simpson (Incumbent): A multi-millionaire egg farmer and former Florida Senate President, Simpson was elected to the post in 2022. Armed with a substantial campaign warchest and major backing—including endorsements from former President Donald Trump and Florida U.S. representatives—Simpson is running on his track record, expanding the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, and securing state funding for Florida agriculture.
- Matt Taylor (“Matt The Welder”): Running as a grassroots outsider, Taylor is challenging the Republican establishment. His campaign emphasizes stopping overdevelopment of productive farmlands, curbing chemical over-spraying, and prioritizing “Florida Grown First” initiatives to connect state institutions directly with local farms.
🔵 Democratic Primary
Two candidates are competing for the Democratic nomination to challenge the GOP in November:
- Joey Mendoza Atkins: A lawyer running to restore environmental protections, safeguard consumer interests, and reform agricultural land-use policy across the state.
- Donald A. “Don” Prichard: A police captain highlighting consumer protection, transparency in state licensing programs, and sustainable farming practices.
(Note: Independent candidate Kyle Gibson is also running in the November 3 general election).
🔑 Key Campaign Themes & Issues
- Farmland Preservation vs. Overdevelopment: Preserving Florida’s shrinking agricultural footprint against residential subdivisions and industrial solar developments has emerged as a central talking point on both sides.
- Environmental & Water Management: Addressing water quality, fertilizer run-off, citrus greening, and storm recovery for impacted farms.
- Consumer Services & Licensing: Managing the department’s oversight of food safety inspections, gas pump accuracy, consumer fraud protection, and concealed weapon permits.
📅 Voter Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| Mail Ballot Request Deadline | August 6, 2026 |
| Early Voting Window | August 8 – August 15, 2026 |
| Statewide Primary Election | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 |
| General Election | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
Because Florida operates on a closed primary system, only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in their respective primary ballots for this office.