Former ag adviser to the governor elected SC’s next commissioner

Cody Simpson, who had the president's endorsement before announcing his candidacy, was elected to lead agriculture department.

By: Skylar Laird

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: November 4, 2026

Words: 537

Last Updated: 5 days, 1 hour ago

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COLUMBIA — President Donald Trump’s pick for agriculture commissioner won election Tuesday.

Cody Simpson, a fifth-generation farmer who advised the governor on agricultural issues, won with about 52% of the vote. He defeated Democrat DeShawn Blanding, with 46%, according to unofficial results from the state Election Commission.

“I want to thank you on a very personal note from Home Branch, South Carolina, my family’s farm, where we’ve been farming since 1904,” Simpson told supporters …

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