SC Agriculture leader won’t seek re-election. He wants this Midlands man to succeed him
Outgoing state Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers is backing a Lexington County businessman and Agriculture Department market development director to succeed him.
Weathers, a Republican, endorsed former Amick Farms Vice President Fred West just less than 15 months before the GOP primary in next year’s elections for statewide offices.
West serves as director of market development at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
“Fred West is the right leader at the right time,” Weathers said. “His decades of experience in agribusiness, commitment to South Carolina’s farmers, and leadership in growing our agricultural economy make West the clear choice to continue building on our success. I’m proud to support him.”
West is a former vice president of Amick Farms, which has a location in Batesburg. He retired in 2023 and started an agriculture-focused consulting firm West Resources.
He has been chairman of the Palmetto Agribusiness Council and the South Carolina Poultry Federation.
West said he wants to reduce regulations, prioritize South Carolina products and ensure efficiency in the department, among other things.
“We need a business-minded leader who will fight for our farmers, reduce our reliance on imports, and protect consumers and taxpayers.” West said. “I’ve spent my career in agribusiness; I know firsthand the challenges faced by our agricultural community.”
During the 2022 election, Weathers who has been agriculture commissioner since 2004, said he would not seek reelection in 2026.
The GOP primary will most likely be the key race to win for this position, which will appear down the ballot in the 2026 election in the reliably Republican state.
Weathers won the 2022 election with 77% of the vote against two third-party candidates. No Democrats ran for the office.
