Commissioner of Agriculture South Carolina in Statewide, South Carolina

2026 Primary Election

• Deshawn Lavar Blanding — Senior Washington Representative, Food and Environment Program in SC

  DeShawn Blanding is a Democratic candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in 2026. A fourth-generation farmer and grandson of farm workers, Blanding grew up rooted in South Carolina agriculture in Clarendon County. His career includes extensive agricultural public policy experience, notably as a Senior Washington Representative for the Union of Concerned Scientists and a policy analyst for US House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Blanding advocates for food and farming as human rights, focusing on improving farm infrastructure, market access, food security, and supporting new growers. He aims to move South Carolina agriculture forward, honoring its roots while building for the future. He advanced from the Democratic primary without appearing on the ballot after its cancellation.

• Jeremy Blaine Cannon — Farmer and small business owner in Turbeville, SC

  Jeremy Cannon, a fourth-generation farmer and small business owner from Clarendon County, South Carolina, is seeking the Commissioner of Agriculture seat in the 2026 Republican primary. He graduated from East Clarendon High School and the University of South Carolina (2003), and operates Cannon Ag Products. Cannon states South Carolina's agriculture is falling behind. His platform focuses on protecting family farms, strengthening the local food supply, and fostering rural job growth. He advocates attracting ag-related businesses, developing new markets, and informing legislators with agricultural knowledge, plus supporting land trusts for families to keep their land.

• Danny L Ford — Farmer in SC

  Danny Ford, also known as Danny Ford II, is a 40-year-old Republican candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2026 election. The son of legendary Clemson University football coach Danny Ford, he was motivated to run after a crisis on his family farm. His platform focuses on making the Department of Agriculture a true partner to farmers, supporting local production, safeguarding the food supply, and creating opportunities for future generations. He advocates for investing in agricultural infrastructure, addressing processing facility shortages, preserving working land, and strengthening the state's forestry industry. He launched his campaign in Williamston, Anderson County.

• Christopher Nelums — Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture in SC

  Christopher Nelums is a United Citizens Party candidate running for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2026 election. He has previously sought this office, competing in the 2018 and 2022 general elections; in 2022, he advanced from his party's convention and raised over $28,000. Nelums is motivated to help farmers in need, particularly "black farmers that are suffering," stating it is "divine order" to support them. The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees market expansion for farmers and inspections of restaurants, gas pumps, and scales. He has also previously been a candidate for South Carolina State Senate District 19.

• William R Simpson — Farmer in SC

  William R. Simpson, III, also known as Cody Simpson, is a candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2026 primary election. A 5th-generation farmer, he possesses deep roots in the state's agricultural community and a strong passion for rural South Carolina. Simpson previously served as the State Executive Director for the SC Farm Service Agency from May 2025 to February 2026, and as an agriculture advisor to Governor Henry McMaster. His campaign has demonstrated significant financial strength, reporting over $437,000 in total income during the first quarter of 2026.

• Michael Dean Sullens — Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture in SC

  Michael Sullens is a Libertarian Party candidate running for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2026 election. He successfully advanced from the Libertarian Party convention on April 11, 2026. Sullens is slated to appear on the general election ballot on November 3, 2026, where he will face Democratic candidate DeShawn Blanding. There are no incumbents in this particular race. Sullens is seeking to secure a four-year term as the state's agriculture commissioner.

• Fred Foster West — Businessman in Leesville, SC

  Fred West is a successful businessman, conservative leader, and advocate for South Carolina agriculture, running for Commissioner of Agriculture. A Palmetto State native, he self-funded his education, earning a business degree from the University of South Carolina. West spent over 24 years as a senior executive at Amick Farms, retiring in 2023, and subsequently founded West Resources, a business consulting firm. He also served as Director of Market Development for the SC Department of Agriculture. West advocates for strong conservative leadership to protect agricultural heritage, strengthen rural communities, and promote South Carolina-grown products. He is endorsed by President Trump, emphasizing his commitment to putting farmers first. He lives in Leesville, South Carolina, with his wife, Michelle.