Fred West

Seasoned agribusiness leader. Lifelong conservative.
Vote Fred West for SC Commissioner of Agriculture!
Republican Primary: June 9, 2026

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Why is the political machine spending nearly half a million dollars to pick South Carolina's next Agriculture Commissioner?

That's a question every Republican voter should be asking.

This office oversees the food you eat, the gas you buy, and the farms that feed our state. It requires a proven executive — not a political insider learning on the job.

Read my op-ed below, and make a plan to VOTE WEST!

[FITSNews @fitsnews]

📩 Letter to the editor: @FredWestSC, GOP candidate for S.C. agriculture commissioner, blasts the "political machine" supporting his opponent, Cody Simpson (@CodyForSC). Calls Simpson "another political insider learning on the job" and controlled by special interests. #Crossroads2026 https://t.co/uvUseOm8Qz

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Join me TONIGHT in Pickens County for the Commissioner of Agriculture debate!

It’s disappointing that one of my opponents is not willing to debate. Voters deserve to hear directly from everyone seeking this office and see who’s ready to lead South Carolina’s largest industry.

This is not a job you can learn on the job. It’s an executive leadership role that impacts every family in South Carolina. If you want this job, you show up, you listen, and you answer the tough questions.

Endorsements and slogans can’t speak for your record. When you’re running to lead South Carolina’s largest industry, it’s a job interview with the voters.

Hope to see you tonight. I’d be honored to earn your vote. 🇺🇸

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

What a great night in Kershaw County!

Honored to earn a Straw Poll win at the Kershaw Republican Women Town Hall. The momentum is growing, and voters are sending a clear message — leadership means showing up, sharing your vision, and answering the tough questions.

That’s what this job requires. Experienced, proven, executive leadership to lead South Carolina’s largest industry.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

I was glad to participate in last night’s agriculture forum and speak on the issues facing South Carolina agriculture.

This is a serious job with real responsibility. Voters deserve to see every candidate step up, answer tough questions, and lay out their vision.

That��s why I’ve been challenging my opponents to debate, and I hope they will answer the call to give voters a real opportunity to see the clear differences in our vision.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Happy Easter! 🌅

“Christ died for our sins… He was buried, and He was raised on the third day.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Grateful for our risen Savior and for the blessings of faith, family, and this season of hope.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Today, I FILED to be your next Commissioner of Agriculture. 🇺🇸

Exactly one year ago, I launched my campaign. Since then, I’ve been on the ground all over the state listening to South Carolinians and sharing my vision for the Department of Agriculture, because the truth is, everyone in our state is impacted. From our farms to our tables to our restaurants, to our grocery stores and our gas pumps, it touches us all.

While others were playing politics in the State House, I was working as an agribusiness executive.

I’ve been committed to serving you from the start, and I’m not backing down now.

This job isn’t a political appointment. It is a constitutional office that requires leadership, experience, and a real understanding of the business of agriculture.

At the end of the day, this job requires someone who understands the business — not someone who just takes pictures of it.

I’m ready to lead on day one.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

100 days out from the GOP Primary!

Over the past year, I’ve been all across South Carolina listening to families who depend on a strong agriculture economy every day.

My story isn’t a typical one, it’s shaped by overcoming challenges and learning the value of hard work early in life. Agriculture gave me the opportunity to build a career, support my family, and help grow jobs and communities across our state.

The Commissioner of Agriculture serves every South Carolinian, protecting our food supply, supporting jobs, and strengthening communities statewide. I stepped up to run to give back to an industry that has given me so much and help lead agriculture forward for the next generation.

I’m prepared to lead on day one. 🌾🇺🇸

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

I’ve officially challenged my new opponents to a series of debates across South Carolina — and so far, there’s been no response.

For months, I’ve been traveling our state sharing my vision for the future of agriculture and meeting directly with farmers who are hurting right now. This constitutional office impacts every South Carolinian, and our farmers deserve leadership that shows up and answers tough questions.

Conservative voters deserve to hear every candidate’s vision. Candidates should never run away from conversation. 🌾🇺🇸

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

“I’ve seen his leadership with people; he’s a good Christian man,” Commissioner Hugh Weathers said of Fred West in the SC Daily Gazette.

After more than two decades leading the Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Weathers knows what this job requires.

Experience matters. The Department needs ready-on-day-one leadership — and I am ready to serve. 🌾🇺🇸

Read the full article here: https://t.co/uKC6U2i8xj

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Congratulations to Cody Simpson on entering the Republican primary for SC Commissioner of Agriculture.

I’ve been fortunate to travel the state for months meeting with other conservatives and laying out my vision for South Carolina agriculture. It’s important for voters to understand each candidate’s record, their vision and their basic understanding of the issues Republicans care about before our June primary.

This is not an appointed position, it is a state constitutional office.

That’s why I’m challenging Cody and any other candidates for Commissioner to a series of debates hosted in traditional farm towns.

The SC Department of Agriculture needs a leader that not only understands voters’ concerns, but also has the executive experience to implement greater accountability for the benefit of farmers and consumers. I’m confident many local county GOP’s would host these debates; I’ve already reached out to a few today.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Go West Wednesday 🌾

High standards matter — especially when it comes to food safety, consumer protection, and public trust. Those standards aren’t optional, and they shouldn’t be lowered.

But strong enforcement doesn’t mean standing apart from industry. The best outcomes happen when regulators and producers work together to raise the bar and solve problems.

That’s how you protect the public and build a system people can count on! #GoWest #AmericaFirstAgriculture

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

As potential winter weather moves into South Carolina, it’s worth pausing to recognize the essential workers who continue to keep our state running when conditions become challenging.

Across agriculture and the broader food system, this includes:
-Farmers and growers who produce our food
-Fuel and convenience-store workers who keep energy and supplies moving
-Grocery, distribution, and logistics teams who ensure shelves remain stocked
-Restaurant teams who provide meals when travel and access are limited
-Poultry plant workers who process and prepare a critical source of protein for families across the state and beyond

At the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, our mission is straightforward: to serve and support the people who serve South Carolina— through good weather and bad.

We thank these dedicated individuals for their commitment and for showing up when it matters most.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Go West Wednesday 🌾

As agriculture changes, the Department of Agriculture has to adapt with it.

This means continuing to invest in modern systems and digital tools that help the SCDA team. When you have the right tools, more gets done - and farmers spend less time stuck in bureaucracy.

#GoWest #AmericaFirstAgriculture

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Go West Wednesday🌾
Agriculture is a business — and prosperity is what keeps it alive.
Farms run on tight margins, and smart decisions matter. That’s why leadership that understands the real business realities of agriculture is essential. With my background in agribusiness, I’m ready to help keep farms alive as Commissioner of Agriculture.
#GoWest #AmericaFirstAgriculture

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

As severe weather moves through, please join me in praying for the farmers who work every day to feed our families. 🙏

[Jim Cantore @JimCantore]

It's not out of the realm of possibility that many of you in this "CRIPPLING" area see ICE ACCRETION over 1".

In a storm like this, FREEZING RAIN of that magnitude is a disaster. This could be where some of the biggest impacts lie simply because of extended power loss with very cold air to follow the storm. This is not an exacta, but I wanted you to see where you need to plan for extended power outages from TX in LA,MS, TN over to GA, NC and SC... This is a huge ara of real estate. Expect more fine tuning over time.

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Go West Wednesday 🌾

I’ve always believed leadership isn’t about a title or a spotlight. It’s about service. It’s about listening, showing up, and doing the work that needs to be done, even when nobody’s watching.

The Commissioner of Agriculture should work for farmers, consumers, and taxpayers. It's about responsibility, accountability, and trust.

That’s how I’ve tried to lead my entire career, and that’s the mindset I’ll bring to this office.

#GoWest #AmericaFirstAgriculture

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Great evening with fellow conservatives at the Sumter County GOP meeting on Thursday night! Strong turnout, great questions, and a lot of good conversations about #SCAg 🌴🚜

[Fred West @FredWestSC]

Go West Wednesday🌾
SMALL FARMS. BIG FUTURE.
Most of SC farms are small or midsize.
Policy should reflect that reality.
That means less bureaucracy, more market access, and practical paths to processing and value-added opportunities — driven by listening to what farmers actually need, not what government assumes.
#GoWest