Governor-Elect Weiser Taps State Senator Cleave Simpson as Colorado Agriculture Commissioner
Governor-elect Phil Weiser has named Republican State Senator Cleave Simpson of Alamosa as the next Commissioner of Agriculture for Colorado.
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, November 10, 2026 —
DENVER, CO – Governor-elect Phil Weiser announced Tuesday his selection of Republican State Senator Cleave Simpson of Alamosa to serve as the next Commissioner of Agriculture for Colorado. Simpson, currently representing Senate District 34, will transition from his legislative role to lead the Colorado Department of Agriculture under the incoming Weiser administration.
The appointment marks a significant cross-party collaboration as Governor-elect Weiser, a Democrat, has chosen a Republican legislator to head a key state agency. Simpson has served as a State Senator for District 34, which includes Alamosa and other parts of southern Colorado. His legislative tenure has provided him with experience in agricultural policy and rural development issues pertinent to the state.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is responsible for overseeing agricultural business, promoting Colorado’s agricultural products, and ensuring consumer protection. The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as the executive director of the department, advising the Governor on agricultural matters and implementing state policies related to farming, ranching, and related industries.
Details regarding Simpson’s specific policy priorities or initiatives he plans to champion as Commissioner were not immediately available following the announcement. The transition is expected to take place following Governor-elect Weiser’s inauguration. Further information regarding the timeline for Simpson’s departure from the State Senate and the commencement of his duties as Commissioner will likely be released in the coming weeks.
Story summarized from the original created by Marianne Goodland on gazette.com, see more information here.
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