The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association has endorsed Wilton Simpson for Commissioner of Agriculture. Simpson is also endorsed by 61 Florida Sheriffs, Florida Farm PAC (the political action committee for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation), T. Roosevelt Action (the national conservation organization leading the charge to constitutionally protect the rights to fish and hunt across the country), The Associated Industries of Florida, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and President Donald J. Trump.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Wilton Simpson for my entire 15 years in Florida. Throughout, he has stood with Florida’s Thoroughbred industry at every turning point,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “As Senate President, he stood firm against out-of-state interests pushing to dismantle Florida’s live racing industry and the working farms that depend on it. As Commissioner, he has championed industry growth, defended Florida’s agricultural infrastructure and kept the state competitive as one of the nation’s leading horse-producing regions.”
“Commissioner Simpson treats Thoroughbred breeding as the serious agricultural industry it is,” Powell added. “Our farms generate $3.24 billion a year in economic impact, support 33,500 Florida jobs and supply buyers nationwide and overseas with Florida-breds as one of the state’s major agricultural exports. Wilton recognizes that, and Florida is stronger for it. We are proud to stand with him.”
“The Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owners’ Association represents deep traditions and the enduring contributions of such an important part of Florida agriculture and I am honored to have their support,” Simpson said.
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, headquartered in Ocala, represents the breeders and owners of the Florida-bred Thoroughbred. FTBOA holds the trademarked designation Ocala, Marion County, Horse Capital of the World®, home to more horses than any other county in the United States. Florida-breds rank among the top producers nationally in starts, wins and stakes wins, and Florida has produced more Kentucky Derby (G1) winners than any state outside Kentucky.
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