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Caldwell Announces Powerhouse Finance Committee

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Matt Caldwell today announced the members of his statewide, finance committee in his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture. The announcement comes on the heels of the news that Caldwell’s campaign and Political Committee has raised nearly $2 million to date – leading in actual funds raised from supporters across the state.

Caldwell said, “I am proud to be running the only statewide race for Commissioner of Agriculture and see that hard work pay off as we announce our statewide finance committee. From the moment we announced our bid, we understood the importance of traveling every corner of the Florida to build statewide support and this list represents key leaders in various industries and geographies throughout our great state. The agriculture community is the backbone of Florida’s economy and I’m proud to have leaders standing by my side from every major sector of the agriculture industry, from row crop and citrus growers to timber and cattle ranchers.

“I’m also proud that our support expands beyond the agriculture community to folks who deeply care about the direction of our state and have consistently stood with conservative, principled leaders. Momentum is on our side and supporters know the importance of electing a principled conservative to serve as Commissioner of Agriculture and on the Florida Cabinet.”

Michael A. Babb, Eugene “Gene” Badger, Doug Bates, Justin Beck, Jimmy & Kathy Bielling, Lathun Brigman, John Browning, Ron Clark, Armando Codina, Bob Cook, Joe B. Cox, Husein Cumber, Clifton C. Curry, Jr., Henry Dean, Susie Dolan, Brett Dubois, Emmett Evans, Blake Fletcher, Cotton Fletcher, Joseph Fogg, III, Graham Fountain, Blake Gable, Michael Griffin, Galynna Griffin, Ken & Lynetta Griner, William Harrison, Jr., Joe Marlin Hilliard, Bob Himschoot, James “Jim” Holton, Ron Howse, Mitch Hutchcraft, David Hutson, Elizabeth P. Kagan, Joshua Kellam, Carlos Lopez Cantera, Sr., Collier Merrill, John Miklos, Greg Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Benjamin Moe, Dan O’Keefe, Roger O’Steen, Michael Orr, Fred Pezeshkan, Fred P’Pool, Phillip Pritchett, Bo Rivard, Avery Roberts, Sonya Rood, Patrick Rooney, Jr., Christian Spilker, Ken Smith, Rick Staab, E. Bruce Strayhorn, Robert M. Thomas, Greg Tison, Enrique Tomeu, Jay Trumbull, Sr., Robert J. Underbrink, James Vickaryous, Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr., George Williamson

Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in May 2017, Representative Caldwell has traveled almost 65,000 miles across the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign. Caldwell continues to outwork his opponents and unite Floridians across the state. The campaign has gone 5 for 5 and won every straw poll in major media markets across Florida.

The campaign previously announced the endorsements of Republican House members from the Panhandle, Northeast Florida, Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and South Florida delegations. This is in addition to endorsements from of the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Paul Paulson, and a number of county constitutional officers.

Additionally, the campaign launched the #2LaneTravels webpage to highlight the campaign travels across the Sunshine State in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.

Political advertisement paid for by Matt Caldwell,
Republican, for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Caldwell Raises Nearly $2 Million in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Caldwell leads in actual funds raised from donors in this race

In April, Matt Caldwell’s campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $164,275. After tallying another strong month of fundraising, the campaign and Political Committee has raised nearly $2 million – leading in actual funds raised from supporters across the state. This news follows four consecutive straw poll victories and the recent unanimous endorsement of the Florida Police Benevolent Association.

Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to be running a true, statewide race, from the Panhandle to the Keys. Our hard work has resulted in a tremendous amount of support as we talk to voters across the Sunshine State and our grassroots campaign is rapidly growing. Momentum is on our side and supporters know the importance of electing a principled conservative to serve as Commissioner of Agriculture and on the Florida cabinet.”

Caldwell’s campaign for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture raised $50,224 in April, while Friends of Matt Caldwell, a Political Committee supporting his bid, brought in $114,050. After tallying another strong month of fundraising, the campaign and Political Committee has over $1.12 million cash-on-hand.

Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in May 2017, Representative Caldwell has traveled almost 65,000 miles across the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign. Caldwell continues to outwork his opponents and unite Floridians across the state. The campaign has gone 4 for 4 and won every straw poll in major media markets across Florida.

The campaign previously announced the endorsements of Republican House members from the Panhandle, Northeast Florida, Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and South Florida delegations. This is in addition to endorsements from of the Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Paul Paulson, and a number of county constitutional officers.

Additionally, the campaign launched the #2LaneTravels webpage to highlight the campaign travels across the Sunshine State in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.

Political advertisement paid for by Matt Caldwell,
Republican, for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Caldwell Announces Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Announces Additional Support from Key Republicans

Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the endorsements of key Republicans around Florida, in the eighth wave of endorsements announced by the campaign. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign, which has raised more than $1.71 million to date and has over $1 million cash-on-hand.

Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to receive endorsements from my colleagues, both present and former. I will continue to work tirelessly as we travel across the Sunshine State and earn support from Floridians who understand the importance of electing a principled conservative as Commissioner of Agriculture to the Florida Cabinet.”

The eighth wave of endorsements includes:

  • Rep. Chuck Clemons
  • Rep. Jennifer Sullivan
  • Former Rep. Neil Combee
  • Former Rep. Dan Raulerson

The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system.Former Rep. Neil Combee  said, “Matt Caldwell has what it takes to be Commissioner of Agriculture in the 21st Century. With 200 years of heritage, Matt knows Florida agriculture and after 55,000 miles on the trail, there’s no question he’s the hardest working candidate. He’s tackled the tough challenges during his time in the House and he is the best candidate to tackle what lies ahead.”

The campaign previously announced the endorsements of Republican House members from the Panhandle, Northeast Florida, Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and South Florida delegations. This is in addition to endorsements from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Paul Paulson, and a number of county constitutional officers.

Additionally, the campaign has announced the launch of the #2LaneTravels webpage to highlight the campaign travels across the Sunshine State in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.

Caldwell Campaign Outraises the Field in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Representative Matt Caldwell continues to outraise the field and build momentum in his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture. In January, Caldwell’s campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $106,100. After tallying another strong month of fundraising, the campaign and Political Committee has raised more than $1.71 million in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and has over $1.11 million cash-on-hand.

Caldwell is running against Senator Denise Grimsley and former Representative Baxter Troutman in the Republican Primary. Senator Denise Grimsley, on the other hand, didn’t break the six-figure mark with her fundraising this month. In January, Grimsley’s campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $86,440 and has $909,459.75 cash-on-hand. Troutman also missed the six-figure threshold and, in January, his campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $79,500.

Brian Swensen, spokesperson for Caldwell’s campaign said, “Matt continues to demonstrate he is the hardest working candidate in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture. As he continues to build momentum, he has outraised his opponents month-to-month, has traveled more than 46,000 miles across the State since May, and has continued to prove he is the principled conservative in the race.”

The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system.

The campaign has announced the endorsements of: Republican House members from the Panhandle, Northeast Florida, Tampa Bay Region, Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and South Florida delegations. This is in addition to endorsements from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, former candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Paul Paulson, and numerous county constitutional officers; including the statewide association Presidents of the Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Clerks for all 67 counties.

The campaign continues to travel across the Sunshine State as a part of Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture. WATCH: Highlights from our #2LaneTravels Work Days, including oysters, timber, cattle, and more!

Paid by Matt Caldwell, Republican, for Commissioner of Agriculture

Caldwell Announces Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Announces Support from Republican House Members from Central Florida

Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the endorsements of Republican House Members from Central Florida, in the sixth wave of endorsements announced by the campaign, which follows the unanimous support of Republican House members from South Florida, the Panhandle, Southwest Florida, and Northeast Florida delegations, as well as constitutional officers from across the state. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign, which has raised $1.37 million to date and amassed nearly one million dollars cash-on-hand.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to receive the endorsements from my colleagues from Central Florida. I hope to have the opportunity to serve the people of the great State of Florida as the next Commissioner of Agriculture and will continue to work hard in order to keep earning support from Floridians across the Sunshine State.”
The sixth wave of endorsements includes:

  • Rep. Tom Leek (R-Daytona Beach)
  • Rep. David Santiago (R-Deltona)
  • Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford)
  • Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood)
  • Rep. Bob Cortes (R-Altamonte Springs)
  • Rep. Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud)
  • Rep. Rene Plasencia (R-Orlando)

Representative Brodeur said, “Matt’s in-depth grasp of the past and current state of Florida’s economy, along with his conservative principles make him the ideal candidate to guide our Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.”
Representative La Rosa said, “I am proud to endorse Matt Caldwell.  Matt’s expertise in water and agriculture policies uniquely qualifies him as the best candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system. The campaign continues to travel across the Sunshine State as a part of Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture.

Caldwell Announces Successful Fundraising Month

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In his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture,
Caldwell amasses nearly million dollar war chest

Representative Matt Caldwell announced another successful fundraising month in his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. In October, Caldwell’s campaign and Political Committee raised a combined $111,235 and has amassed nearly one million dollars cash-on-hand.
In October, Caldwell’s campaign for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture raised $45,235 and Friends of Matt Caldwell, a Political Committee supporting his bid, will report $66,000. In addition to another strong month of fundraising, the campaign and Political Committee have raised $1.37 million to date.
Representative Caldwell said, “We are blessed by the amount of support we have received and will continue to work tirelessly as we travel the Sunshine State, engage with Floridians and build our grassroots campaign. As we visit rural and urban parts of our state one thing is clear, Floridians are looking for a trusted conservative that will fight for critical issues overseen by the Commissioner of Agriculture on day one.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system.
The campaign recently announced the endorsements of Republican House members from South Florida, which follows the unanimous support of Republican House members from the Panhandle, Southwest Florida, and Northeast Florida delegations. The campaign continues to travel across the Sunshine State as a part of Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture. WATCH: Highlights from our #2LaneTravels Work Days, including oysters, timber, cattle, and more!

Paid by Matt Caldwell, Republican, for Commissioner of Agriculture

Caldwell Locks Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Announces Support from Republican House Members from South Florida

Representative Matt Caldwell announced the endorsements of Republican House members from South Florida, in the fourth wave of legislative endorsements announced by the campaign, which follows the unanimous support of Republican House members from the Panhandle, Southwest Florida, and Northeast Florida delegations. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign.
Representative Caldwell said, “I’m honored to receive the endorsements of such an impressive delegation. I have been blessed to serve with each and every one of these individuals for five-plus years and together, we have been able to shape policy, fight for limited and accountable government, and ensure prosperity for the Sunshine State.”
The fourth wave of legislative endorsements includes:

  • Speaker-Designate Jose Oliva (R-Miami Lakes)
  • Rep. Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah)
  • Rep. Carlos Trujillo (R-Miami)
  • Rep. Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah)
  • Rep. Michael Bileca (R-Miami)
  • Rep. Jeanette Nunez (R-Miami)
  • Rep. George Moraitis (R-Fort Lauderdale)

Speaker-Designate Jose Oliva said, “I am proud to support my friend, Matt Caldwell, in his bid to serve as our next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Matt is a trusted conservative that we can count on to serve as a key decision maker on Florida’s Cabinet, protect Florida’s consumers, and fight to grow jobs in our Agricultural sector.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system. The campaign recently announced Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture. WATCH: Highlights from our #2LaneTravels Work Days, including oysters, timber, cattle, and more!

Caldwell Locks Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Announces Unanimous Support from Returning
Republican House Members from Northeast Florida

Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the unanimous endorsements of returning Republican House members from Northeast Florida, in the third wave of legislative endorsements announced by the campaign, which follows the unanimous support of House members from the Panhandle and Southwest Florida delegations. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to have received endorsements from Republican House members in Northeast Florida. I will continue to work hard to earn the trust and support of voters across the Sunshine State, who deserve a Commissioner that has the leadership and policy experience to lead in Tallahassee on day one.”
The third wave of legislative endorsements includes:

  • Rep. Cord Byrd (R- Neptune Beach)
  • Rep. Travis Cummings (R- Fleming Island)
  • Rep. Jason Fischer (R- Jacksonville)
  • Rep. Bobby Payne (R- Palatka)
  • Rep. Paul Renner (R- Palm Coast)
  • Rep. Cyndi Stevenson (R- St. Johns)
  • Rep. Clay Yarborough (R- Jacksonville)

Rep. Cord Byrd said, “I am excited to endorse Matt Caldwell in his campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. No one has been more effective in shaping policy and ensuring prosperity for the agriculture community in the Sunshine State.”
Rep. Travis Cummings said, “I am proud to endorse my friend Matt Caldwell for Commissioner of Agriculture. We have worked together on issues together throughout our time in the Florida House including pension reform, which was a big priority for the City of Jacksonville.”
Rep. Jason Fischer said, “I am excited to endorse Matt Caldwell in his campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. His leadership, work ethic, and policy expertise will result in the continued success of the department and the industries it oversees.”
Rep. Bobby Payne said, “In order to address the lessons learned from Hurricane Irma during the upcoming legislative session, Matt travelled to our region in the wake of the storm to see the flooding and infrastructure needs of our community firsthand. That is the mark of a true leader and I am proud to endorse his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
Rep. Paul Renner said, “Matt Caldwell has proven himself to be a strong conservative leader for Northeast Florida in the Florida House and no one is more qualified to serve as our Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. I am proud to give him my endorsement.”
Rep. Clay Yarborough said, “I am proud to support Matt Caldwell. He is a principled conservative with the policy and leadership credentials to successfully serve Floridians as our next Commissioner of Agriculture.”

Matt Caldwell Locks Another Key Endorsement in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Representative Matt Caldwell announced another major endorsement from the Florida Panhandle. Congressman Matt Gaetz is joining the growing list of conservative leaders endorsing Caldwell.
Congressman Matt Gaetz said, “I support Matt Caldwell because he is a consistent conservative. He has never voted to support things like: Obamacare expansion, the Charlie Crist tax increases, and big brother-style red light cameras. And, he’s the only candidate in this race who has refused to take public tax dollars to finance his campaign.”
Since launching his campaign for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Caldwell has been successful traveling the Sunshine State to share his conservative message and build support for the campaign.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to have the support of Congressmen Gaetz. I worked with Matt in the Florida House and he is not only an exceptional leader but a true, principled conservative. With his support and the support of Floridians across the Sunshine State, I hope to serve the people of the great State of Florida as the next Commissioner of Agriculture.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system.

Caldwell Locks Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture

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Announces Unanimous Support from SWFL House Delegation

Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the unanimous support of House members from Southwest Florida, in the second wave of legislative endorsements announced by the campaign. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign, which has amassed one million dollars in 6 months.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to have unanimous support from House members in Southwest Florida, a tight-knit and dynamic group who share conservative principles and have been effective in shaping policy and ensuring prosperity for the Sunshine State. Floridians deserve a Commissioner who is a true conservative that in can lead in Tallahassee on day one and, with hard work and God’s blessing, our campaign will be successful.”
The second wave of legislative endorsements includes:

  • Rep. Byron Donalds (R – Naples)
  • Rep. Dane Eagle (R – Cape Coral)
  • Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R – Fort Myers)
  • Rep. Bob Rommel (R – Naples)
  • Rep. Ray Rodrigues (R – Estero)

Rep. Ray Rodrigues said, “I am proud to endorse my friend Matt Caldwell for Commissioner of Agriculture. I have been blessed to call Matt a close personal friend for over 20 years. We have worked on issues together ranging from local initiatives all the way to the US Constitution. I now have the honor to serve with him in the Florida House, where we work to advance our shared conservative principles. There is not a more qualified, or better person, to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. Join me and vote for Matt Caldwell.”
Rep. Byron Donalds said, “I am excited to endorse Matt Caldwell in his campaign to be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. Matt is a true conservative that adheres to the same principles our Founders’ subscribed to over 200 years ago. He is a proven leader who is committed to protecting our God given rights. Matt is the candidate I am supporting for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
Rep. Dane Eagle said, “Matt Caldwell has been a strong conservative leader for Southwest Florida as a member of the Florida House and will bring that leadership statewide as a member of the Florida Cabinet. Matt has my full support in his bid to become Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, and I ask that you join me in voting for Matt Caldwell.”
Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen said, “With the many jobs and industries that rely on Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, it is essential that we elect someone with the understanding and experience to take on the challenges of that office on day one. Matt Caldwell’s proven record of leadership and success in the Florida House make him the most qualified person for this important office. I am thrilled to support Matt and I urge you to join me in voting for him.”
Re. Bob Rommel said, “The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees a critical pillar of this state and supports the hardworking farmers that produce the wholesome food served on tables across the world. Our next Commissioner must be resilient, hardworking and knowledgeable about the issues our farmers deal with on a daily basis. No one is more qualified than Matt Caldwell and I am proud to give him my endorsement.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system. The campaign recently announced Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture.
WATCH: The campaign released a video highlighting #2LaneTravels Work Day in Chiefland and Cross City