Grassroots activists from Northwest Florida gathered in Clay County on Saturday afternoon for a straw poll held by the Clay County Republican Executive Committee. Caldwell defeated his opponents and won the straw poll for Commissioner of Agriculture with 46.5% of the vote, making it 5 for 5 in major markets across Florida. Baxter Troutman followed with 31.5%, while Denise Grimsley and Mike McCalister received 18% and 4% respectively.
Matt Caldwell said, “I am honored to win in Clay County and continue to grow our grassroots team across Florida. We are running a true, statewide race and reaching all corners of the state to connect with voters. We will continue to outwork our opponents and fight for conservative issues as Commissioner of Agriculture and on the Florida cabinet.”
Brian Swensen, spokesperson for Caldwell’s campaign said, “Momentum is on our side and we are the only campaign running the same way that we would govern: in all 67 counties, both communities big and small. We will continue that same work ethic and statewide focus when elected.”
Previously, Caldwell trounced his opponents and won the straw poll for Commissioner of Agriculture held by the Lee County Republican Executive Committee with 91% of the vote and the straw poll held by Southwest Florida Young Republicans with 73% of the vote. He also won the statewide straw poll held by WBOB in Jacksonville with 60%, followed by Grimsley with 24% and Troutman with 16%. In Orlando, a statewide straw poll was held by the Florida Republican Women’s Network where Caldwell edged out Grimsley, 50% to 46%.
Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in May 2017, Representative Caldwell has traveled over 65,000 miles across the Sunshine State.
