Drew Wilson
Sebring Sen. Denise Grimsley bid to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture has earned the backing of incoming Senate President Bill Galvano and Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson.
“Senator Grimsley is uniquely qualified to be the state’s next Agriculture Commissioner, not only because of her extensive background in citrus growing and cattle ranching, but because she brings a unique experience of running a business and an administration — all while navigating government red tape,” Galvano said Wednesday.
“I have no doubt that Denise Grimsley will bring her no-nonsense work ethic and her commitment to the State of Florida as a whole to work every day. I look forward to giving her campaign my full support.”
Simpson, whose job outside of politics is running a major chicken farm, said Grimsley “is the type of Floridian who runs for higher office not because she wants to, but because she knows the state needs her. Denise is a standout candidate in the Republican primary because of her hands-on experience and real-life know-how. I am proud to endorse Denise for Agriculture Commissioner and will vigorously help her campaign for this post.”
Galvano and Simpson are the latest in a string of endorsements announced by Grimsley in recent weeks. They join 18 county sheriffs, including four who announced their endorsements last week.
“I am honored Senate President-designate Galvano and Majority Leader Simpson have endorsed my campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture,” said Senator Grimsley. “During my time in the Florida Senate, I had the privilege of working alongside these leaders to better our great state, and I am grateful they’ve recognized me as the person best fit to lead the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services on behalf of Floridians.”
Grimsley, a nurse by trade, built her agribusiness credentials running her family’s citrus and cattle operations.
She was elected to the Senate in 2012 after serving four terms in the Florida House. She is one of the leading candidates to replace current Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who is term-limited and running for Governor.
