Matt Caldwell concedes race for Agriculture Commissioner following recount
Matt Caldwell is the cash winner so far this year in the Ag Commissioner race.

MATT CALDWELL

Republican candidate Matt Caldwell on Monday conceded the race for Agriculture Commissioner to Democratic opponent Nikki Fried.

Caldwell was the last of three trailing statewide candidates to concede after recounts in their respective races were completed Sunday.

In a statement, Caldwell — most recently a North Fort Myers state representative — says he’s giving up his legal challenge of the results. He had filed suit alleging Broward County received ballots after Tuesday’s 7 p.m. deadline.

“All I have ever expected since Election Day is a full and fair accounting of all legal votes cast, and then respecting the will of the voters,” Caldwell said.

“Unfortunately, as a result of the abject failures in Broward and Palm Beach, it has become clear that we may never gain an understanding of what transpired in the hours and days after polls closed, despite the exhaustive efforts of my legal team to get to the truth.

“To continue this legal challenge would likely require millions of dollars and months to complete without providing any more clarity.”

Also Monday, Caldwell reiterated comments that he did not want to pursue a win through a “legal loophole.” Though with Fried’s lead at nearly 7,000 votes, it’s unclear how Caldwell could have made up that difference, legal loophole or otherwise.

Caldwell’s statement spoke to the necessity of recognizing and accepting the results of an election, while still seeming to cast doubt upon this year’s outcome.

“The most impressive feature of our republic is the peaceful transfer of power,” Caldwell said.

“While history has vindicated that fraud was a serious part of the 1960 Presidential election, the nation required closure and it would not be well served by prolonged and fractious litigation.

“The candidates set an example for our conduct and I believe the same is true about our state. Therefore, I will no longer be pursuing a challenge to the outcome of this race.”

Caldwell also said he offered to help Fried as she moves into her new post. He also thanked those who worked on his behalf throughout the campaign.

“While I will not serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, my campaign was not a loss,” he said.

“Every door knocked, every mile traveled, and every new hand shaken in every corner of the state, has emphasized the immediate and tangible needs of our state’s farmers, workers, small business owners, and consumers.

“Thank you all for the privilege. God Bless you and may God continue to bless the great state of Florida.”

Ryan Nicol

Ryan Nicol covers news out of South Florida for Florida Politics. Ryan is a native Floridian who attended undergrad at Nova Southeastern University before moving on to law school at Florida State. After graduating with a law degree he moved into the news industry, working in TV News as a writer and producer, along with some freelance writing work. If you'd like to contact him, send an email to [email protected].


One comment

  • Connie M. Schoenung

    November 21, 2018 at 8:11 am

    I had the privilege of meeting Matt Caldwell in Clay County. He is a true southern gentleman. I believe his insight on agricultural and his perspective of the direction of farming in Florida is a great revelation of prosperity. I am hopeful that Mr. Caldwell is able to continue to interject his ideas and objectives. It was a pleasure to meet you and campaign for you, Matt Caldwell. Your great impact on the Florida community will continue.

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