Two primaries for Florida agriculture commissioner

Voters in both parties will nominate candidates for state agriculture commissioner on Aug. 23. This vital Cabinet post is open because Democrat Nikki Fried is running for governor.

The Sun Sentinel makes no endorsement in either primary. Candidates refused to participate in interviews or did not meet our viability standard of at least 250 individual campaign contributors of any amount of money.

Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, a wealthy Pasco County egg farmer, faces retired Vero Beach worm farmer James

Shaw in the Republican primary. Simpson has nearly $2 million in campaign cash on hand and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Simpson declined to participate in our screening, which is not a good sign from a front-runner. Shaw has said he believes Trump won the 2020 election.

Three Democrats are seeking their party’s nomination: Naomi Esther Blemur of North Miami, a minister and an employee of Leriche & Associates, a consulting firm; Jacques Rene “J.R.” Gaillot of Green Cove Springs, an AT&T employee; and Ryan Morales of Clermont, a consultant.