Simpson runs away with landslide win
Pasco County’s Wilton Simpson, former State Senate President, took his run toward State Agriculture Commissioner on giant step further with a landslide in the Republican primary over opponent James Shaw.
Simpson took 66 percent of the vote in Pasco County and handily won the state-wide race. He will square off in November against Democrat Naomi Blemur.
“Tonight’s victory marks the beginning of an important conversation with Floridians from the Panhandle to the Keys, Jacksonville to Fort Myers and Palm Beach to Gainesville, and everywhere in between,” Simpson said in a statement. “I am grateful to the growing coalition of hardworking families, resilient business owners, trusted law enforcement officers, and of course, the Sunshine State’s dedicated farmers who have put their faith in me and our shared vision of Florida’s future.”
One of his biggest supporters is fellow Pasco County legislator Senator Danny Burgess.
“Pasco’s favorite son is going to do the job he was born to do,” Burgess said shortly after the polls closed. “We couldn’t be more proud. His friends and family stand behind him and couldn’t support him more than we do. It will be really nice to have a man who understands agriculture and what it means to Florida back into the hot seat.”
The Governor’s race in November will incumbent Republican Ron DeSantis squaring off against former governor Charlie Crist. Crist defeated Nikki Fried statewide and was strong in Pasco taking 61 percent of the vote.
Seth Weightman claimed the Pasco County Commission Seat 2, Gary Bradford on the seat 4 race.
Al Hernandez won the Pasco County School Board Seat 1 race. Winning the Seat 3 race was incumbent Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding won the Seat 5 race.