GOP candidate Simpson declares victory in S.C. ag commissioner race

In a contest largely between two Clarendon County natives, Republican Cody Simpson claimed victory in the South Carolina commissioner of agriculture race about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday. 

A Home Branch community native, Simpson had 51.67% of the total vote at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday with 95.65% of the state’s counties reporting.

Democratic opponent DeShawn Blanding, from the nearby community of Silver in Clarendon, had 45.58% of the vote at the time. His campaign manager told The Sumter Item shortly after midnight they were not conceding the election yet. 

Rounding out the voting were Libertarian Party candidate Michael Sullens with 1.90% and United Citizens Party candidate Chris Nelums with 0.79%.

When he was contacted late Tuesday night, Simpson said “we’re out in the country. We’re putting a stake in the ground, and we’re declaring victory.”

“Being from Home Branch community, I am so excited to win for the people of rural South Carolina,” he added. “We’re not going to let them down. This is a win for them, and I’m so thankful for all the people who showed up, and rural South Carolina won today. We’re happy for all the people of South Carolina.”