News

Trump-Endorsed Cody Simpson Announces Run for SC Commissioner of Agriculture

Cody for SC



February 19, 2026

COLUMBIA, SC – Cody Simpson – a fifth-generation farmer, trusted appointee of President Donald J. Trump, and former Agriculture Advisor to Governor Henry McMaster – announced his candidacy today for South Carolina’s 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.

President Trump gives his support in second SC 2026 statewide race

The State



February 5, 2026

COLUMBIA, SC – President Donald Trump and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster have picked their candidate in the commissioner of Agriculture race to succeed Hugh Weathers.

Trump, McMaster wade into SC Republican race for agricultural commissioner

The Post and Courier



February 6, 2026

COLUMBIA, SC – Despite the presence of two other candidates in the field, President Donald Trump took to social media late Feb. 4 to prod Cody Simpson — a former adviser to Gov. Henry McMaster who has served since May as state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency — to jump into the race.