As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.
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[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]
Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.
However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.
Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.
Democratic commissioner of agriculture candidates
The Democratic commissioner of agriculture primary is a statewide race open to all registered Democrats in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.
The commissioner of agriculture has a large number of duties:
- Inspects and tests food products
- Helps protect crops and livestock
- Promotes Florida agriculture
- Manages state forests
- Handles gun licenses
- Serves as a clearinghouse for consumer complaints
Go to the agency’s website HERE to learn about the office and the agencies under it.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details.
Joey Mendoza Atkins
WEBSITE: www.joeyforflorida.com/
Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services? I am seeking this office because I believe the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services deserves leadership that is competent, accountable, and focused on results. The Commissioner oversees one of the largest and most diverse agencies in state government, and that responsibility requires sound judgment, integrity, and a commitment to serving the public.
As a Florida attorney, I have built my career solving complex problems, interpreting and applying the law, and holding individuals and institutions accountable. Those experiences have prepared me to lead a department responsible for protecting consumers, supporting Florida agriculture, conserving our natural resources, and enforcing the laws that keep our markets fair and our food supply safe.
My graduate education in international economic development broadened my understanding of the relationship between agriculture, economic growth, conservation, and public policy. It reinforced my belief that a strong agricultural economy and responsible stewardship of our natural resources go hand in hand. Throughout my career, I have sought practical solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity.
I also understand that leadership begins with listening. Florida’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, consumers, and small businesses are the experts on the challenges they face every day. As Commissioner, I will work collaboratively with those stakeholders, rely on sound science and data, and ensure the Department remains transparent, efficient, and responsive.
My goal is simple: to lead a Department that protects consumers, supports Florida’s agricultural community, manages our natural resources responsibly, and earns the public’s trust through competence, fairness, and results.
What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on agriculture and consumer services? Florida’s regulatory system should be modern, efficient, and focused on results. I do not believe the goal should be more regulation or less regulation simply for the sake of ideology. The goal should be smart regulation that protects consumers, supports Florida’s agricultural economy, and allows honest businesses to thrive.
For Florida’s agricultural community, that means making regulatory requirements clear, predictable, and efficient while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy for producers who consistently comply with the law. The Department should be a partner to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural businesses by providing timely guidance and responsive service.
At the same time, consumer protection must remain a core responsibility of the Department. Floridians should have confidence that the food they purchase is safe, fuel pumps are accurate, businesses are operating honestly, and those who engage in fraud or deceptive practices will be held accountable. Enforcement resources should be focused on bad actors rather than creating unnecessary burdens for businesses that follow the rules.
I also believe the Department should continue investing in conservation efforts that protect Florida’s soil, water, and forests while embracing technology and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and transparency. Strong agriculture, responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and effective consumer protection are complementary goals that strengthen Florida’s economy and improve quality of life.
What changes do you think are needed in regulating Florida’s agriculture industry, conserving soil and water resources, managing state forests, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food in the marketplace? Florida’s Department of Agriculture should be a partner to the state’s agricultural community while remaining a strong advocate for consumers. I believe our regulatory system should be modern, efficient, and predictable. It must focus on helping honest farmers and businesses comply with the law while holding bad actors accountable. We should continue investing in conservation efforts that protect Florida’s soil, water, and forests because these resources are essential to our agricultural economy and quality of life. Smart conservation and responsible land stewardship are not obstacles to economic growth--they help ensure Florida agriculture remains productive for generations to come. Consumer protection must remain a top priority. Floridians deserve confidence that the food they purchase is safe, fuel pumps are accurate, and businesses operate honestly. The Department should aggressively enforce laws against fraud, deceptive trade practices, and unsafe products while making government more responsive and transparent. Above all, I believe the Department should be results-oriented: reducing unnecessary bureaucracy where possible, embracing innovation and technology, supporting Florida producers, and ensuring government works efficiently for both consumers and the agricultural community.
Donald Prichard
WEBSITE: www.donprichardforfl.com/
Candidate did not respond to survey. Information obtained from various sources.
Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services? From his website: Don Prichard has built a reputation as someone who leads with conviction, accountability, and a deep respect for the people he serves. In 1998, then 17-year-old Don Prichard joined the Florida Army National Guard. Two years later, he began his career with the Broward Sheriff’s Office.... Don’s responsibilities placed him at the center of public safety operations, strategic planning, crisis management, budgeting, and community engagement. He became known for bringing people together, improving efficiency, and finding practical solutions that protected both taxpayers and the communities he served.
What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on agriculture and consumer services? Could not find anything on his website that answered this question. However, in a news release announcing his candidacy on June 8, Prichard said he would focus more on the consumer protection side of the agency, including “aggressively shutting down telephone scams and consumer fraud to ensuring that the food sold in grocery stores is safe and free from pesticides. On his website, he says he will also advocate for a data center moratorium and to lower the state gas tax.
What changes do you think are needed in regulating Florida’s agriculture industry, conserving soil and water resources, managing state forests, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food in the marketplace? Could not find anything on his website that answered this question.