Nikki Fried was sworn in last week as state agriculture commissioner, becoming the first woman elected to run the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She also is the only Democrat holding statewide office and the first Democrat on the state Cabinet in eight years. Fried is an attorney from Fort Lauderdale who was a student-body president at the …
Fried Looking Forward to Serving Florida Ag Community
After the manual recount was completed Sunday, Nikki Fried saw her lead over Republican candidate Matt Caldwell increase in the race for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Since Caldwell has conceded the race, Fried is now focusing on the future as commissioner-elect. She told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman she looks forward to being the spokesperson and advocate for …
Caldwell Claims Victory in Agriculture Commissioner Race
Republican state Rep. Matt Caldwell declared victory Tuesday night as he held a narrow advantage in the contest to succeed term-limited Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Caldwell, a real-estate appraiser from North Fort Myers, gave an acceptance speech from an election watch party, according to WGCU Public Media. As of 11:30 p.m., Caldwell led Democrat Nikki Fried by about 41,000 votes …
Ag Interest Spread Cash in Cabinet Race
From farmers to horse trainers, agricultural interests put up more than $100,000 in April to support three candidates running for Florida agriculture commissioner, with U.S. Sugar Corp. accounting for $30,000, new finance reports show. Republicans Denise Grimsley of Sebring, Matt Caldwell of North Fort Myers and Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven each topped six figures in April fundraising, with Troutman’s …
Grimsley to Run for Agriculture Commissioner
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida Florida Sen. Denise Grimsley said Wednesday she will run for agriculture commissioner in 2018, becoming the first lawmaker or statewide political figure to announce a bid for an open Cabinet seat or the governor’s office. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of Florida …