Add the orange juice lobby to the list.
Florida Citrus Mutual is endorsing Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson for re-election, the Bartow-based trade group announced. The organization — founded in 1948 and, by its count, the state’s largest citrus grower group, with roughly 1,500 members — says the industry generates a $6.9 billion annual economic impact and employs more than 32,500 people across 208,183 acres.
“Commissioner Simpson understands that a strong citrus industry is vital to Florida’s economy, rural communities, and identity and heritage,” said Matt Joyner, Florida Citrus Mutual’s Executive Vice President and CEO. “Floridians deserve a leader like him who understands the challenges and opportunities facing Florida agriculture and has the vision and resolve to strengthen Florida citrus and our broader agriculture industry for generations to come.”
Joyner credited Simpson’s work to secure citrus research funding to combat citrus greening, advocate for disaster recovery assistance, and preserve agricultural lands through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
The industry is in comeback mode, and Tallahassee is invested. Lawmakers put nearly $140 million toward citrus revitalization in the 2025-26 budget, then followed with a nearly $196 million package this year, including $160 million for the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation to accelerate research, new plantings and the fight against greening.
“Florida’s citrus industry is such a vital part of our state’s culture and identity, and I’m grateful to partner with our state’s citrus growers as we continue fighting for Florida agriculture’s future,” Simpson said.
The endorsement joins a pile. The Trilby egg farmer and former Senate President passed on the Governor’s race in April and filed for a second term instead, launching with more than $33 million on hand, President Donald Trump’sendorsement and the backing of 61 of Florida’s 67 Sheriffs.
His path is not exactly crowded. Simpson’s Primary opposition is a Clearwater-born welder who legally changed his name to “Matt The Welder” in January — a move state law may not recognize on the ballot. Democrats Joey Mendoza Atkins and Donald Prichard are competing for the nomination on their side ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary.
The growers are betting big on a citrus comeback. On this race, they’re betting on the surest thing in Florida politics.
Ed. note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.
