The Florida Chamber of Commerce extended an endorsement to Wilton Simpson on Monday in his bid for election as Florida’s Agricultural Commissioner, adding to his collection of sound-offs including those from former President Donald Trump, the NRA, and the Florida Forestry Association.
Simpson is a clear early favorite to take current Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried’s seat after she decided to forego a reelection campaign in order to run for governor. Chuck Nadd, an Afghanistan veteran and former Black Hawk pilot, poses the largest threat to challenge Simpson, indicating that he may run a campaign to avert Florida’s “shift towards DeSantis Republicanism.”
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce endorses Wilton Simpson as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As our recent Most Valuable Legislator, Wilton Simpson has taken the lessons of being a local business owner and applied them to improving the business climate for free enterprise in Florida,” said Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
Simpson currently serves as the Florida Senate President, maintaining a popular standing within his party. A farmer by trade, Simpson looks to utilize his professional roots to expand and improve the state’s farming infrastructure and efficiency.
“As an egg farmer from Trilby, Wilton has fought tirelessly for the business community’s legislative priorities, including the passage of COVID-19 liability protections for Florida employers and health care providers, protecting legacy farms from frivolous litigation through The Florida Right to Farm Act, and for lower taxes for local Florida businesses and families,” said Wilson.
While working as a lawmaker, Simpson placed a focus on legislation that directly affects Florida’s farmers, including keeping property taxes affordable, expanding agritourism, and passing the Right to Farm bill in 2021 that offers farmers protection against frivolous lawsuits.
“Florida’s businesses kept us going through the pandemic with ingenuity and perseverance and I am proud of the work we have done to protect their opportunity to earn an honest day’s living,” said Simpson. “The Florida Chamber is a tremendous advocate for Florida’s hardworking job creators and I am honored to have their support.”
WOW. I’ve never heard of Chuck Nadd, but if he’s fighting against the DeSantis version of “Republicanism,” he is the guy I support. I am conservative and sick to death of the radical-right wing nuts.