Wilton Simpson gives $100,000 to Florida GOP after party taps Evan Power for chairman
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Republican Party of Florida announced Wednesday that Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson donated $100,000 to the party as a show of “confidence” for new Chairman Evan Power.
“Florida is a red state because we have put in the work consistently to ensure conservative leaders who deliver results are supported,” Simpson said. “With Evan’s leadership, I am confident the RPOF and the hardworking grassroots army will execute the fundamentals necessary to win in November, and I am eager to ensure they have the resources they need.”
Republicans took a supermajority in both chambers of the Florida Legislature in 2022, with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Simpson winning their races by around 20 points.
“I want to thank Commissioner Wilton Simpson for his steadfast support for the RPOF and the confidence he has in our leadership and commitment to continue building and supporting our conservative grassroots efforts which will guarantee Florida keeps winning,” Power said.
Power became chairman on Jan. 8 after the party ousted former Chairman Christian Ziegler amidst a sexual assault investigation. Power was previously the vice chairman.
Simpson had previously called for Ziegler to step down, and endorsed Power for the position in late-December.
“Commissioner Simpson knows firsthand the resources required to successfully operate massive political operations in the state of Florida,” Power said. “Under his leadership, the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee set fundraising records, invested heavily in voter registration and turnout, putting the GOP on the path to a super majority. We greatly appreciate his continued support.”
Simpson has spearheaded multiple causes since becoming agriculture commissioner, a major priority being banning China and enemies from buying farmland in Florida, which he had announced before even taking office.
For the 2024 Legislative Session, Simpson is working on delivering tax cuts for farmers with Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview, and Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa.
“Food security is a national security issue, and this proposed constitutional amendment represents a pivotal step towards securing the permanent future of agriculture in Florida,” Simpson recently said.
“By eliminating the burdensome multiple taxation of agricultural production, we can pave the way for sustained growth and resilience within our agricultural sector, strengthen and secure our food supply chain, support our hardworking farmers, and safeguard our state and nation’s well-being,” he said.
