Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner oversees the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. The incumbent, Republican Wilton Simpson, is seeking re-election. He faces one opponent, Matt Taylor, in the Republican primary. There are two candidates in the Democratic primary, Joey Atkins and Donald “Don” Prichard.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES |
Joey Mendoza Atkins
The Democratic candidate is in the process of completing the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. Whenresponses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Campaign website: www.joeyforflorida.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
Donald “Don” Prichard
Occupation: Law Enforcement Captain with 25+ years of experience.
Age: 44
Family: I have been married to my husband, Skylar, since 2017. We share our home with three beloved dogs, a toy Australian Shephard, a Jack Russel Terrier, and a Yorkshire Terrier, who are very much a part of our family.
Education: MBA - Western Governor’s University
Bachelors in Intelligence Studies - American Military University
Certified Law Enforcement Officer - Police Academy at Broward College.
Political experience: Although I have not previously held elected office, my career has been dedicated to public service, leadership, and working with government at every level. Throughout my career, I have led teams, managed complex operations, worked with elected officials and community leaders, and helped address issues affecting Floridians. I have also served as the president of a law enforcement union representing more than 1200 deputies and sergeants, where I negotiated with government officials, advocated for employees, and worked on issues impacting public safety and local governments.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Provide innovative leadership that will ensure food safety and promote a strong and sustainable Florida agriculture industry by building partnerships, programs, and developing further education of the industry.
2. Increase Consumer protection by Strengthening the Consumer Services Division to provide aggressive protection for Florida consumers against fraud, scams, and other illicit business activities.
3. As one of only four members of the Florida Cabinet with an equal vote on statewide issues, I will assert the independent authority of my office and not act as a rubber stamp for the governor.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
As a native Floridian who has served this state and nation as a soldier, law enforcement professional, a union president, and a community volunteer, I believe that I have the skills, knowledge, and ability to lead this agency and work to improve the lives of all Floridians. And am prepared to do so from Day 1. I have spent my life making tough decisions, solving real problems, and standing up for people who are forgotten or overlooked.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
If I have the privilege of serving, I hope to be remembered as the commissioner who restored confidence in the office by putting Floridians first and leaving the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stronger, more transparent, and more accountable to the people, providing an office that has integrity, accessibility, and effective leadership.
Campaign website: In Progress
Campaign social media: In Progress
| REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES |
Wilton Simpson
The Republican incumbent has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Campaign website: wiltonsimpson.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | X
Matt Taylor
The Republican candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Campaign website: treadback.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
A write-in candidate, Kyle KC Gibson, qualified for the general election. The names of write-in candidates do not appear on the ballot, though there will be a line for a write-in.