DENVER — Governor-elect Phil Weiser announced today that he will nominate Senate Republican Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, a San Luis Valley farmer and rancher, to serve as Colorado’s Commissioner of Agriculture. If confirmed, Simpson will lead the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
“I’m grateful to Governor-elect Phil Weiser for asking me to serve,” Simpson said. “On our family farm in the San Luis Valley, the water we have each spring shapes what we can grow that year. Farmers and ranchers across Colorado make decisions like that every day. If confirmed, I’ll bring their experience to the governor’s cabinet and work with producers to keep land in agriculture for the next generation.”
“Senator Cleave Simpson is a true public servant who cares about rural Colorado, understands deeply the challenges we are facing, and is committed to working with all of Colorado to build a better future. I’m honored to have him as part of my cabinet as the Commissioner of Agriculture and look forward to working with him to deliver results for our state,” Governor-elect Phil Weiser said.
Senator Simpson and his wife, Cathy, returned to Alamosa in 2014 to help his father run the family’s farm and ranch. Simpson has served as general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District since 2016. He has represented Alamosa and southwest Colorado in the state Senate since 2021 and became Senate Republican leader in 2025.
The Colorado Senate Republicans will hold their leadership elections via Zoom on Saturday, November 14, at 10 a.m. MST. Caucus members will elect a Senate Minority Leader, Assistant Minority Leader, Caucus Whip, Caucus Chair, and Joint Budget Committee member.
To join the meeting, please visit:
https://coleg-gov.zoom.us/j/82064880855?pwd=R89842rrBAa4SIC2v1L4yjxhKqslMF.1
Meeting ID: 820 6488 0855
Passcode: 240816
About the Colorado State Senate Republican Caucus
The Colorado Senate Republican Caucus is committed to advancing common-sense solutions that make Colorado safer, more affordable, and full of opportunity. Senate Republicans work to protect individual liberty, promote responsible government, strengthen families and communities, and ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to succeed.