GOPO Meet and Greet: Cody Simpson
Fourth Circuit Solicitor Mike Burch, Darlington County Auditor Angie Suggs, Darlington County Clerk Scott Suggs, Cody Simpson, Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee, SC Rep. Richie Yow, and SC Senator J.D. Chaplin. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, at the Grand Old Post Office (GOPO), 201 Pearl Street in Darlington, for a Meet and Greet and Barbeque Dinner in honor of W.R. “Cody” Simpson III, Republican candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.
The purpose of the event was to give community members an opportunity to personally meet Simpson, ask questions, share concerns and hear directly from the candidate about his vision for the future of agriculture in South Carolina. Before the formal program began, attendees filled the historic venue, engaging in one-on-one conversations with Simpson in a friendly and relaxed setting.
The event was sponsored by J. Todd Hardee, Darlington County Coroner; Rep. Richie Yow, S.C. House District 53; Rep. Cody Mitchell, S.C. House District 65; Mike Burch, Fourth Circuit Solicitor; Scott B. Suggs, Darlington County Clerk of Court; Angie Suggs, Darlington County Auditor; and Michael August, Darlington County Sheriff. Rep. Mitchell and Sheriff August were unable to attend.
Hardee welcomed the crowd and spoke warmly about his longstanding friendship with Simpson, describing Simpson’s strong character, impressive leadership qualities, and deep roots in rural South Carolina.
Sgt. Jacob Heatherly offered an inspirational prayer before the evening’s program continued. Rep. Richie Yow spoke highly of Simpson’s honesty, integrity and work ethic, expressing complete confidence in his ability to serve the state’s agricultural community.
Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner during the evening. The Grand Old Post Office, legendary for its warm hospitality and delicious food, did not disappoint.
Simpson, 34, is a fifth-generation South Carolina farmer raised in the Home Branch community of Clarendon County, where he worked on the family farm. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Business Administration from Francis Marion University and was active in 4-H, Leadership Florence, and his family’s general store in his early years.
Professionally, Simpson has served as the USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director for South Carolina, appointed by the Trump administration in May 2025, where he oversaw federal farm programs. He previously served as Agriculture Advisor and Chief Executive Assistant to Governor Henry McMaster beginning in 2018. Simpson is also a Major in the South Carolina State Guard and has served on the S.C. Forest Recovery Task Force as well as the National Governors Association’s Agriculture Advisory Network.
He announced his candidacy in February 2026 with endorsements from President Donald Trump and Governor Henry McMaster. Simpson is seeking to succeed retiring Commissioner Hugh Weathers, who has held the office for more than 20 years.
During his remarks Tuesday night, Simpson emphasized the need to protect South Carolina farmland from foreign ownership, specifically referencing Chinese land acquisitions. He also addressed what he described as misguided and unnecessary overdevelopment, pledging to fight for policies that preserve farmland for future generations.
Simpson promised to promote agricultural education and workforce development while continuing to support South Carolina farms and agribusinesses. He reiterated his commitment to advancing the “America First” agenda and spoke passionately about his lifelong experience working the land and managing livestock.
“The land is important,” Simpson told the crowd. “I’ve worked it my entire life. I understand it, and I will fight to protect it.”
Prior to the event, The News & Press sat down with Simpson, where he reflected on South Carolina’s agricultural heritage and the role rural communities play in shaping the state’s identity.
“Historians are now saying that the American Revolution was fought and won in South Carolina, on our farms,” Simpson said. “Battlefields that we hold dear to our history and heritage are right here in the Pee Dee. Legends like the Swamp Fox are still important today. We should tell our children the importance of our heritage.”
Simpson also spoke about the values instilled in him growing up in a rural farming community.
“What I like to remind people about our communities is, always be proud,” he said. “The community I grew up in (Home Branch) is like any other rural area. What makes our community, and every other community, are three things – our schools, our farms, and our religious centers. Those three very important institutions are what drive rural America.”
A graduate of Francis Marion University, Simpson said his roots in the Pee Dee region remain central to who he is.
“I’m from the Pee Dee. I went to school at Francis Marion and got my undergraduate and master’s degree in Business Administration there,” he said. “I’m very proud of the Pee Dee, and I carry it with me everywhere I go.”
Simpson has also been recognized with the Dr. Neal Thigpen Award in South Carolina Politics and the Francis Marion University Benjamin Ingram Wall III Young Alumni Award.
As the evening concluded, many attendees lingered to speak further with Simpson, reflecting the strong local interest in the upcoming race for Commissioner of Agriculture and the future of South Carolina’s farming community.