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Rep. Caldwell Launches Agriculture Commissioner Bid

Rep. Matt Caldwell speaking on the House floor.
Mark Foley via FL House website
Rep. Matt Caldwell speaking on the House floor.
Rep. Matt Caldwell speaking on the House floor.
Credit Mark Foley via FL House website
Rep. Matt Caldwell speaking on the House floor.

A Republican state representative is launching his bid for agriculture commissioner.

North Fort Myers Republican Representative Matt Caldwell is running for the cabinet level position opening up when his current term ends.  If he’s successful, Caldwell would be in charge of promoting the state’s second largest industry.

“This role is even bigger though than farmers and their success,” Caldwell says.  “It’s making sure we aren’t ripped off at the gas pumps, it’s making sure that concealed weapons permits are overseen by someone committed to protecting our rights, and it’s fulfilling cabinet duties—like overseeing the Florida financial system or stewarding millions of acres of conservation land.”

Caldwell and his primary Republican challenger, Sebring Senator Denise Grimsley, are term limited and looking for a promotion. 

It’s a similar story for sitting Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam who has his eye on the governor’s mansion.

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Nick Evans came to Tallahassee to pursue a masters in communications at Florida State University. He graduated in 2014, but not before picking up an internship at WFSU. While he worked on his degree Nick moved from intern, to part-timer, to full-time reporter. Before moving to Tallahassee, Nick lived in and around the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. He listens to far too many podcasts and is a die-hard 49ers football fan. When Nick’s not at work he likes to cook, play music and read.