Two dozen past Presidents of the Sunshine State’s largest cattle industry group are wrangling support for Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s re-election bid.

Simpson’s campaign this week announced the endorsement of 24 former leaders of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

In accompanying statements, several ex-Presidents cited Simpson’s record on conservation, food security and disaster preparedness as key to earning their support.

“Wilton Simpson has been one of the strongest advocates for Florida agriculture in decades,” said Pat Durden, who led the association in the 2023-24 term.

“From leading the nation in banning lab-grown meat, to taking aggressive action to protect Florida cattle from avian influenza, to preserving working farms and ranches across our state, Commissioner Simpson has fought to protect Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and food security.”

Dale Carlton, the association’s most recent past President, praised Simpson’s handling of natural disasters and his advocacy for working lands conservation.

“Commissioner Simpson also understands the critical importance of national food security and continues to champion policies that support Florida agriculture and the families who depend on it,” he said. “These are just a few of the many accomplishments that reflect his dedication and effective leadership while serving the people of Florida.”

Wes Carlton, who led the organization in 2022-23, credited Simpson’s leadership with producing what he called “the strongest green belt, agritourism and Right to Farm legislation in the nation.”

“My family is pleased and proud to endorse Wilton,” he said.

Other past Presidents backing Simpson include Larry Barthle, Cliff Coddington, Paul Genho, Ken Griner, Joe Hilliard, Bo Hobby, Alex Johns, Billy Kempfer, Henry Kempfer, Woody Larson, Gene Lollis, Matt Pearce, Hal Phillips, Don Quincy, Larry Rooks, Marty Smith, Edgar Stokes, Jim Strickland, Bert Tucker, Ned Waters and Wes Williamson.

Simpson said he is “incredibly proud to have earned their support.”

“These past presidents represent decades of commitment to ensuring Floridians have access to quality food for their families,” he said. “Now is not the time to roll the dice on the quality of our food supply chain.”

The latest wave of support adds to a growing list of officials and organizations that have given nods this cycle to Simpson, a Republican and former Senate President who flipped the Agriculture Position for the GOP in 2022.

Simpson also carries endorsements from President Donald Trump, U.S. Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, 61 of Florida’s 67 Sheriffs, the Florida Farm Bureau PAC, Associated Industries of Florida and the International Order of T. Roosevelt.

Simpson, who officially launched his re-election campaign late last month, faces two Primary challengers: Richard Olle of Valrico and Matt the Welder of Plant City.

Democrat Chase “Andy” Anderson Romagnano and independent Kyle Gibson are also running.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.

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