Republican Cody Simpson and Democrat DeShawn Blanding are competing to lead the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

REPUBLICAN — Cody Simpson

• Executive Experience: Previously served as State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency and advised Governor McMaster on agricultural issues.
• Farming Background: Fifth-generation farmer with firsthand experience in South Carolina agriculture.
• Priorities: Protecting farms, supporting farmers, strengthening South Carolina agriculture and protecting farmland from ownership by foreign adversaries.
• Philosophy: Frames his campaign around conservative and America First policies.

DEMOCRAT — DeShawn Blanding

• Policy Experience: Has agricultural-policy experience, including work involving the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.
• Background: Brings more policy experience than direct multigenerational farm-management experience.
• Priorities: Strengthening support systems for farmers and improving farmer access to markets and consumers.

The Choice

Simpson emphasizes hands-on farming and executive agricultural experience. Blanding brings a more policy-centered background and emphasizes farmer-support programs and market access.

This comparison is based on candidate campaign materials, public records and other publicly available information. Positions are summarized for voter information; readers are encouraged to review each candidate's own statements and campaign materials for additional detail.