2018 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture election

Last updated

2018 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture election
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  Nikki Fried (cropped).jpg State Representative Matt Caldwell.jpg
Nominee Nikki Fried Matt Caldwell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote4,032,9544,026,201
Percentage50.04%49.96%
Florida AG Commissioner Election Results by County, 2018.svg
FL Commissioner of Agriculture 2018.svg
Fried:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Caldwell:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Tie:     50%     No votes
Agriculture
Commissioner before election

Adam Putnam
Republican

Elected Agriculture
Commissioner

Nikki Fried
Democratic

The 2018 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture election occurred on November 6, 2018, to elect the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. Incumbent Republican Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam was term-limited and could not seek a third consecutive term. Democrat Nikki Fried narrowly defeated Republican Matt Caldwell. Fried became the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida, as U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, who had held Florida's Class I U.S. Senate seat since 2000, lost re-election.

Contents

As of 2024, this remains the last time that a Democrat has won a statewide election in Florida, and the only time since 2012.

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Matt Caldwell

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

State legislators

Mayors and other municipal leaders

Other individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Denise Grimsley

State legislators

Mayors and other municipal leaders

Other individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Baxter Troutman

Statewide officials

Mayors and other municipal leaders

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin
of error		Matt
Caldwell		Denise
Grimsley		Mike
McCalister		Baxter
Troutman		Undecided
Gravis Marketing [43] August 21–25, 2018579± 4.1%18%17%13%19%33%
Gravis Marketing [44] August 21–22, 2018321± 5.5%20%15%13%18%34%

Results

Republican primary results [45]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Matt Caldwell 523,051 34.60%
Republican Denise Grimsley402,52526.62%
Republican Baxter Troutman393,09826.01%
Republican Mike McCalister193,00212.77%
Total votes1,511,676 100.0%

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Nikki Fried

Statewide officials

Newspapers

Results

Democratic primary results [45]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Nikki Fried 826,009 58.65%
Democratic R. David Walker359,08125.50%
Democratic Jeffrey Duane Porter223,29915.85%
Total votes1,408,389 100.0%

General election

Debate

2018 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture debate
No.DateHostModeratorLink Republican Democratic
Key:
 P Participant  A Absent  N Not invited  I Invited  W  Withdrawn
Matt Caldwell Nikki Fried
1Oct. 21, 2018 WFOR-TV Jim DeFede YouTube (Part 1)
YouTube (Part 2)
YouTube (Part 3) 		PP

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		Matt
Caldwell (R)		Nikki
Fried (D)		Undecided
University of North Florida [55] October 23–26, 20181,046± 3.0%41%43%17%
Cherry Communications [56] September 19–24, 2018622± 4.4%37%42%17%
St. Pete Polls [57] September 5–6, 20182,240± 2.1%45%47%8%
Hypothetical polling

With Grimsley

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin
of error		Nikki
Fried (D)		Denise
Grimsley (R)		Undecided
Frederick Polls [58] August 16–20, 2018500± 4.4%42%40%17%

With Troutman

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin
of error		Nikki
Fried (D)		Baxter
Troutman (R)		Undecided
Frederick Polls [58] August 16–20, 2018500± 4.4%43%39%17%

Results

2018 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture election [59]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic Nikki Fried 4,032,954 50.04% +8.71%
Republican Matt Caldwell 4,026,20149.96%−8.71%
Total votes8,059,155 100.00% N/A
Democratic gain from Republican

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Smith, Bill (May 1, 2017). "Caldwell to run for agriculture commissioner". The News-Press . Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  2. ↑ Buzzacco-Foerster, Jenna (February 1, 2017). "Denise Grimsley running for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018". Florida Politics. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  3. ↑ Schorsch, Peter (March 13, 2014). "Mike McCalister enters Agriculture Commissioner race". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  4. ↑ Rufty, Bill (June 8, 2017). "Baxter Troutman entering competitive Agriculture Commissioner race". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  5. 1 2 Wilson, Drew (October 26, 2017). "Paul Paulson bows out, supports Matt Caldwell for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  6. 1 2 3 Anderson, Zac (January 18, 2017). "Lisa Carlton, Sen. Greg Steube weigh run for ag commissioner". Sarasota Herald-Tribune . Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  7. ↑ Schorsch, Peter (February 8, 2017). "Ben Albritton launches campaign for Denise Grimsley's Senate seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  8. ↑ Call, James (February 8, 2017). "Halsey Beshears not a candidate for Ag Commissioner". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  9. ↑ Anderson, Zac (March 4, 2017). "Carlton won't run for agriculture commissioner". Sarasota Herald-Tribune . Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  10. ↑ Derby, Kevin (August 18, 2015). "Florida Farm Bureau Honors State Legislators". Sunshine State News. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  11. ↑ Anderson, Zac (July 19, 2016). "Florida lawmakers eye their own futures at convention". Sarasota Herald-Tribune . Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  12. ↑ Schorsch, Peter (January 9, 2017). "Steve Crisafulli decides against run for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018". Florida Politics. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  13. ↑ Anderson, Zac (February 26, 2018). "Greg Steube is running for Congress". Sarasota Herald-Tribune . Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  14. ↑ Gancarski, A.G. (July 11, 2018). "Marco Rubio backs Matt Caldwell for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics.
  15. 1 2 Derby, Kevin (October 5, 2017). "Matt Gaetz Remains Active in Statewide Politics, Backs Matt Caldwell for Agriculture Commissioner". Sunshine State News. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Wilson, Drew (May 31, 2018). "Matt Caldwell touts 'tenth wave' of Ag Commissioner endorsements". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Wilson, Drew (February 5, 2018). "Matt Caldwell announces 'seventh wave' of endorsements for Ag Commissioner bid". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Wilson, Drew (November 6, 2017). "South Florida lawmakers back Matt Caldwell for Ag. Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Matt Caldwell locks up more legislative endorsements". Florida Politics. October 19, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Powers, Scott (March 27, 2018). "Matt Caldwell announces four more backers in agriculture commissioner race". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Panhandle House delegation unanimously backs Matt Caldwell for Ag Commish". Florida Politics. July 13, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 Wilson, Drew (August 17, 2017). "Matt Caldwell endorsed by five Southwest Florida representatives". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  23. 1 2 3 4 Wilson, Drew (November 17, 2017). "Matt Caldwell announces 'fifth wave' of endorsements in Ag Commissioner race". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 McAuliffe, Danny (April 24, 2018). "Matt Caldwell racks up Panhandle endorsements". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Wilson, Drew (June 6, 2018). "Matt Caldwell announces Seminole County 'sweep'". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  26. ↑ Wilson, Drew (December 7, 2017). "Associated Builders and Contractors endorses Matt Caldwell for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Matt Caldwell as Florida's Next Commissioner of Agriculture". Florida Chamber of Commerce. October 18, 2018. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  28. ↑ Nicol, Ryan (June 26, 2018). "NRA backing Matt Caldwell in Ag. Commish race". Florida Politics. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2018. Matt Caldwell snagged a high-profile endorsement in his race for Florida's next Agriculture Commissioner, with the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) announcing its support Tuesday.
  29. ↑ Wilson, Drew (May 2, 2018). "Police association announces Governor, Cabinet endorsements". Florida Politics. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Here are the Miami Herald recommendations for the Aug. 28 primary". Miami Herald . August 11, 2018.
  31. 1 2 Wilson, Drew (May 30, 2018). "Senate leaders back Denise Grimsley for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  32. 1 2 3 4 Wilson, Drew (May 21, 2018). "Four more lawmen back Denise Grimsley for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  33. 1 2 3 Wilson, Drew (June 28, 2018). "Two more sheriffs endorse Denise Grimsley for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Wilson, Drew (May 2, 2018). "10 sheriffs back Denise Grimsley for Agriculture Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 Wilson, Drew (June 11, 2018). "More sheriffs back Denise Grimsley's bid for Agriculture Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  36. 1 2 Andrea Jahna (June 11, 2018). "Five Sheriffs Add Names to Growing List Supporting Denise" (Press release). Denise Grimsley for Agriculture Commissioner. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  37. 1 2 3 4 Wilson, Drew (May 25, 2018). "Denise Grimsley rolls out third wave of sheriff endorsements". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  38. 1 2 3 Wilson, Drew (June 27, 2018). "Former Florida GOP Chairs wade into Ag Commissioner race, back Denise Grimsley". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  39. ↑ Gancarski, A.G. (June 15, 2018). "Firefighters endorse Adam Putnam, Sean Shaw, Denise Grimsley". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Times recommends: In Republican primary for agriculture commissioner, Denise Grimsley" . Tampa Bay Times. August 1, 2018. Archived from the original on April 14, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  41. ↑ Rufty, Bill (January 23, 2018). "Former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll endorses Baxter Troutman for Agriculture Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  42. ↑ Gancarski, A.G. (August 20, 2018). "Lenny Curry backs Baxter Troutman for Ag Commissioner". Florida Politics.
  43. ↑ Gravis Marketing
  44. ↑ Gravis Marketing
  45. 1 2 "August 28, 2018 Primary Election Results". Florida Department of State - Division of Elections.
  46. ↑ Powers, Scott (January 24, 2018). "Homestead Mayor Jeff Porter entering Agriculture Commissioner race". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  47. ↑ "Nikki Fried for Governor". December 11, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  48. ↑ Rosica, Jim (May 10, 2017). "Daniel Sohn withdraws from 2018 Agriculture Commissioner's race". Florida Politics. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Candidates and Races - Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". dos.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  50. ↑ Nevins, Buddy (March 31, 2017). "Rep. Katie Edwards Won't Run For Ag Commissioner; Instead Pushes No Tax On Tampons". Broward Beat. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  51. ↑ Rangel, Isadora (December 9, 2016). "Patrick Murphy mulls 2018 run after Marco Rubio defeat; but for what?". TC Palm . Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  52. ↑ Schmitz, Ali (January 5, 2018). "Patrick Murphy not running for office, but advising Democrats and mentoring millennials". TC Palm . Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  53. ↑ Rosica, Jim (June 29, 2018). "Alex Sink endorses Nikki Fried for Ag. Commissioner". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  54. ↑ "Times recommends: In the Democratic primary for agriculture commissioner, Nikki Fried" . Tampa Bay Times. August 1, 2018. Archived from the original on April 14, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  55. ↑ University of North Florida
  56. ↑ Cherry Communications
  57. ↑ St. Pete Polls
  58. 1 2 Frederick Polls
  59. ↑ "November 6, 2018 General Election". Florida Department of State - Division of Elections.

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