Trump-Endorsed Cody Simpson Announces Run for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture
Thursday, February 19, 2026
COLUMBIA, SC – Cody Simpson – a fifth-generation South Carolina farmer, trusted appointee of President Donald J. Trump, and former Agriculture Advisor to Governor Henry McMaster – announced his candidacy today for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.
Simpson enters the race with the endorsement and encouragement of President Trump and Governor McMaster, who have both publicly called on Simpson to seek the office.
“South Carolina agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy and our way of life,” said Simpson. “I’ve lived the challenges South Carolina rural families face, then advised leaders like Governor McMaster on how to fix them. President Trump trusted me to lead for our farmers and rural communities at the federal level. Now, I’m ready to take that experience and fight every single day as South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture to protect our farms, our families, and our future.”
Appointed by President Trump to serve as State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in South Carolina, Simpson worked directly with agency employees, farmers and producers across the Palmetto State by helping them navigate federal programs, disaster relief, and conservation initiatives. His leadership strengthened relationships between the Trump Administration and rural South Carolina and ensured farmers had a strong voice at the table.
Prior to his federal service, Simpson served as Agriculture Advisor and Chief Executive Assistant to Governor Henry McMaster. In that role, he helped shape state policy affecting farmers, forestry, wildlife management, and rural communities. He also served on the National Governors Association’s Land Management, Agriculture, Wildlife, and Rural Communities Advisory Network, the South Carolina Forest Recovery Task Force, and the Pee Dee Forestry Commission.
A fifth-generation farmer from Clarendon County, Simpson was raised on his family’s South Carolina Century Farm in the Home Branch Community. From raising livestock and planting row crops to managing farm finances, he learned firsthand the challenges facing today’s producers and the importance of stewardship, faith, and hard work.
“As a farmer, I understand the rising costs, the labor challenges, the regulatory burdens, and the uncertainty that too many of our producers face,” Simpson said. “We need a Commissioner who knows agriculture not just from behind a desk, but also from the cab of a tractor and the fields of South Carolina.”
Simpson is an active member of the Richland County Farm Bureau and supports conservation efforts through Ducks Unlimited and the Pee Dee Land Trust. He is also a Major in the South Carolina State Guard and has been recognized with multiple honors for his service to the state. For his contributions to defending the Second Amendment, Simpson is the recipient of the distinguished National Rifle Association's Golden Eagle Award.
A graduate of Francis Marion University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in political science and a master's degree in business administration, Simpson has long been committed to leadership and service. His lifelong involvement in 4-H and agricultural leadership programs helped shape his passion for advancing South Carolina’s agricultural economy.
Simpson said his campaign will focus on:
- Protecting South Carolina farmland from foreign threats like Chinese land grabs
- Advocating for conservation and responsible land stewardship
- Strengthening food supply chains and food security
- Supporting South Carolina's hospitality and tourism industry
- Expanding market opportunities for South Carolina farmers
- Promoting agricultural education and workforce development
“South Carolina families and businesses don’t need more bureaucracy. We need a fighter,” Simpson said. “With President Trump’s trust and endorsement, I will stand strong for South Carolina agriculture and preserve our agricultural heritage for the next generation.”
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