President Trump gives his support in second SC 2026 statewide race. Here’s which one
President Donald Trump and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster have picked their candidate in the commissioner of Agriculture race to succeed Hugh Weathers.
And it’s a potential candidate who hasn’t launched a bid yet.
Trump and McMaster, in separate social media posts, said they are backing Cody Simpson, who is the state executive director for the South Carolina Farm Service Agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Simpson previously worked as McMaster’s chief executive assistant and agriculture advisor. Simpson also is a fifth-generation farmer. He has been considering a run for agriculture commissioner and is taking the next couple of weeks to determine whether to jump into the race, he told The State on Thursday.
“A true America First Patriot, who has been with us from the very beginning, Cody is an incredibly effective voice for South Carolina agriculture, and our amazing farmers and ranchers,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Thursday. “Should he decide to enter this race, Cody Simpson has my complete and total endorsement. RUN, CODY, RUN!”
Earlier in the afternoon, McMaster shared his own endorsement.
“Cody Simpson has the experience needed and, just as importantly, has the knowledge and understanding of the challenges our rural families face. Because he has lived them,” McMaster posted on social media.
Weathers is not running for reelection and is backing Fred West, a former vice president of Amick Farms, in the Republican primary. Jeremy Cannon, a Turbeville Republican also is running.
This is the second statewide race this cycle Trump has made an endorsement in. Trump is backing U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s reelection.
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 6:40 PM with the headline "President Trump gives his support in second SC 2026 statewide race. Here’s which one."
