Putnam stays as Florida’s agriculture commissioner

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Republican Adam Putnam has been elected to serve another term as Florida’s agriculture commissioner.

The 40-year-old incumbent Putnam was easily re-elected Tuesday over Democratic challenger Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton. With about half the expected vote counted, Putnam had a 59-41 percent lead.

Putnam’s victory came after a campaign that saw a lop-sided fundraising advantage: Putnam raised $3.7 million to Hamilton’s $38,000.

Florida’s agriculture commissioner is a member of the state Cabinet along with the attorney general, governor and chief financial officer.

The office oversees food safety and helps the state’s farmers market their crops.