Florida Rep. John Rutherford (R) has endorsed Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson (R) in his bid for Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner. Rutherford, who formerly served as Jacksonville’s Sheriff, is now representing Florida’s 4th Congressional District.
Simpson, who's vying for the position while Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) pursues the gubernatorial position, has amassed numerous supporters as he prepares for the general election in November.
Rutherford, praising Simpson’s candidacy, argued that “while Joe Biden continues to fail the American people, Floridians need an Agriculture Commissioner who rejects his policies, and fully understands how our food supply chain works to provide safe and abundant food to our communities.”
“Farmers like Wilton Simpson are working overtime to fill the gaps created by this crisis, because this is what they do,” Rutherford added.
Rutherford further expressed that Simpson is a strong supporter of law enforcement, noting that "when Florida's law enforcement community was under attack, Wilton Simpson put a stop to defunding the police because he understands the role they play in protecting our families, our businesses and our communities."
“I am proud to stand with President Donald Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis and 58 Florida Sheriffs to endorse Wilton Simpson for Commissioner of Agriculture, because I know he is the conservative leader Florida needs at this critical time," added Rutherford.
In response to the endorsement, Simpson praised Rutherford, calling him a lawmaker that “understands the challenges we are facing here at home because of Joe Biden's economic ignorance."
“John is fighting for our shared conservative values, working against the socialist agenda in Washington, and I am honored to have his support,” Simpson added.
Earlier this year, Lt. Chuck Nadd (R) had entered the Commission race, vowing to be a more conservative candidate than Simpson. However, soon after Simpson received high-profile endorsements from the likes of Governor DeSantis, Nadd dropped out of the race.
