Civic Compass race research snapshot
Race: Commissioner of Agriculture — South Carolina
Data source: Database-backed profile
Coverage: Basic
Election slug: sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
Open online: https://www.ballotvibe.com/races/sc-2026-commissioner-of-agriculture-south-carolina?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
Open ballot plan: https://www.ballotvibe.com/plan?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment#plan-sc-2026-commissioner-of-agriculture-south-carolina
Flag race evidence: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Commissioner+of+Agriculture+%E2%80%94+South+Carolina#corrections
Exported: 2026-11-08T11:55:55.973Z

Candidate profile links
- DeShawn Blanding: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/deshawn-blanding-democratic?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- DeShawn Blanding: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/deshawn-blanding-democratic?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Danny Ford: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/danny-ford-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Danny Ford: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/danny-ford-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Chris Nelums: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/chris-nelums-united-citizens?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Chris Nelums: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/chris-nelums-united-citizens?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Cody Simpson: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/cody-simpson-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Cody Simpson: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/cody-simpson-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Michael Sullens: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/michael-sullens-libertarian?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment
- Michael Sullens: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/michael-sullens-libertarian?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment

Why this race matters
Candidate profile enrichment race created from official filing rows and candidate evidence sources.

Evidence coverage
Candidates loaded: 10
Claims loaded: 278
Shared issue areas: Environment and energy, Civil liberties and privacy, Cost of living, Jobs and economy
Candidates without evidence: 0
Claims needing review: 91
Stale source count: 2

Candidate comparison
1. DeShawn Blanding (Democratic)
   Evidence: 17/52 source-backed; 7 high-confidence
   Issues: Environment and energy, Civil liberties and privacy, Cost of living, Jobs and economy
   Values: Environmental stewardship, Infrastructure reliability, Civil liberties, Personal privacy, Economic opportunity
   Public gaps: age_fact, official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions
   Sources: Katsumi Kuroiwa of Avex: Billboard Global Power Players Interview — https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/katsumi-kuroiwa-avex-global-power-players-interview-1236285121/; LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/login?session_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elinkedin%2Ecom%2FshareArticle%3Fmini%3D1%26; Genius – How to Add Songs to Genius | Genius — https://genius.com/Genius-how-to-add-songs-to-genius-annotated

2. DeShawn Blanding (Democratic)
   Evidence: 17/52 source-backed; 7 high-confidence
   Issues: Environment and energy, Civil liberties and privacy, Cost of living, Jobs and economy
   Values: Environmental stewardship, Infrastructure reliability, Civil liberties, Personal privacy, Economic opportunity
   Public gaps: age_fact, official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions
   Sources: Katsumi Kuroiwa of Avex: Billboard Global Power Players Interview — https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/katsumi-kuroiwa-avex-global-power-players-interview-1236285121/; LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/login?session_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elinkedin%2Ecom%2FshareArticle%3Fmini%3D1%26; Genius – How to Add Songs to Genius | Genius — https://genius.com/Genius-how-to-add-songs-to-genius-annotated

3. Danny Ford (Republican)
   Evidence: 9/106 source-backed; 3 high-confidence
   Issues: Healthcare, Abortion and reproductive rights, Education, Cost of living
   Values: Healthcare access, Civil liberties, Education quality, Economic opportunity, Fair taxation
   Public gaps: official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions, Clean energy climate and environment
   Sources: Will Columbia Really Reject Trump's 'No Tax on Tips?' - FITSNews — https://www.fitsnews.com/2026/02/23/will-columbia-really-say-no-to-trumps-no-tax-on-tips/; Danny Go!’s Remarkable Rise Comes Amid a Personal Tragedy — https://time.com/article/2026/05/29/danny-go-remarkable-rise-child-loss/; Danny Go Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Kids, Son, Wiki — https://www.celebsta.com/danny-go/

4. Danny Ford (Republican)
   Evidence: 9/106 source-backed; 3 high-confidence
   Issues: Healthcare, Abortion and reproductive rights, Education, Cost of living
   Values: Healthcare access, Civil liberties, Education quality, Economic opportunity, Fair taxation
   Public gaps: official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions, Clean energy climate and environment
   Sources: Will Columbia Really Reject Trump's 'No Tax on Tips?' - FITSNews — https://www.fitsnews.com/2026/02/23/will-columbia-really-say-no-to-trumps-no-tax-on-tips/; Danny Go!’s Remarkable Rise Comes Amid a Personal Tragedy — https://time.com/article/2026/05/29/danny-go-remarkable-rise-child-loss/; Danny Go Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Kids, Son, Wiki — https://www.celebsta.com/danny-go/

5. Chris Nelums (United Citizens)
   Evidence: 3/4 source-backed; 3 high-confidence
   Issues: Election integrity, Ballot access
   Values: Candidate biography/context signal, Government transparency, Institutional accountability
   Public gaps: age_fact, campaign_policy_claims, official_voting_record_positions
   Sources: Chris Nelums - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Nelums; Candidate Listing — 11/3/2026 Statewide General Election — https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Candidate/CandidateSearch?electionId=22596

6. Chris Nelums (United Citizens)
   Evidence: 3/4 source-backed; 3 high-confidence
   Issues: Election integrity, Ballot access
   Values: Candidate biography/context signal, Government transparency, Institutional accountability
   Public gaps: age_fact, campaign_policy_claims, official_voting_record_positions
   Sources: Chris Nelums - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Nelums; Candidate Listing — 11/3/2026 Statewide General Election — https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Candidate/CandidateSearch?electionId=22596

7. Cody Simpson (Republican)
   Evidence: 15/56 source-backed; 3 high-confidence
   Issues: Civil liberties and privacy, Cost of living, Environment and energy, Election integrity
   Values: Civil liberties, Personal privacy, Economic opportunity, Fair taxation, Environmental stewardship
   Public gaps: age_fact, official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions
   Sources: LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/login?session_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elinkedin%2Ecom%2FshareArticle%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcoddy%2Etech%252Fblog%252Fcoding-for-beginners%252Fhow-to-learn-coding-step-by-step-guide; Share on WhatsApp — https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?text=How+to+Learn+Coding%3A+A+Step-by-Step+Guide+https%3A%2F%2Fcoddy.tech%2Fblog%2Fcoding-for-beginners%2Fhow-to-learn-coding-step-by-step-guide&type=custom_url&app_absent=0; [Projects beta] Automatically expand custom project fields in the issues view · community · Discussion #15592 · GitHub — https://github.com/orgs/community/discussions/15592

8. Cody Simpson (Republican)
   Evidence: 15/56 source-backed; 3 high-confidence
   Issues: Civil liberties and privacy, Cost of living, Environment and energy, Election integrity
   Values: Civil liberties, Personal privacy, Economic opportunity, Fair taxation, Environmental stewardship
   Public gaps: age_fact, official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions
   Sources: LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/login?session_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elinkedin%2Ecom%2FshareArticle%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcoddy%2Etech%252Fblog%252Fcoding-for-beginners%252Fhow-to-learn-coding-step-by-step-guide; Share on WhatsApp — https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?text=How+to+Learn+Coding%3A+A+Step-by-Step+Guide+https%3A%2F%2Fcoddy.tech%2Fblog%2Fcoding-for-beginners%2Fhow-to-learn-coding-step-by-step-guide&type=custom_url&app_absent=0; [Projects beta] Automatically expand custom project fields in the issues view · community · Discussion #15592 · GitHub — https://github.com/orgs/community/discussions/15592

9. Michael Sullens (Libertarian)
   Evidence: 12/60 source-backed; 4 high-confidence
   Issues: Taxes and spending, Healthcare, Jobs and economy, Education
   Values: Fiscal responsibility, Fair taxation, Healthcare access, Economic opportunity, Small business support
   Public gaps: age_fact, official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions
   Sources: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/; Energy — https://www.forbes.com/energy/; Education — https://www.forbes.com/education/

10. Michael Sullens (Libertarian)
   Evidence: 12/60 source-backed; 4 high-confidence
   Issues: Taxes and spending, Healthcare, Jobs and economy, Education
   Values: Fiscal responsibility, Fair taxation, Healthcare access, Economic opportunity, Small business support
   Public gaps: age_fact, official_voting_record_positions, vote411_questionnaire_positions
   Sources: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/; Energy — https://www.forbes.com/energy/; Education — https://www.forbes.com/education/

Research queue
Candidate follow-up: DeShawn Blanding, DeShawn Blanding, Danny Ford, Danny Ford
Source refresh: South Carolina 2026 statewide primary results summary, Candidate Listing — 11/3/2026 Statewide General Election

Source-backed claims
1. Chris Nelums — Election integrity — inferred_from_biography
   Chris Nelums has lower-tier biography/profile context related to Election integrity; treat this as an inferred priority, not an explicit policy stance.
   Quote: “Chris Nelums is listed by SCVotes as an active United Citizens candidate for the 11/3/2026 Statewide General Election. United Citizens Party candidate; prior South Carolina State Senate candidate”
   Source: Chris Nelums - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Nelums
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Chris+Nelums+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FChris_Nelums#corrections
2. Chris Nelums — Election integrity — supports
   Chris Nelums's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Election integrity: Democratic primary election Democratic primary for South Carolina State Senate District 19 Incumbent Tameika Isaac Devine defeated Michael Addison in the Democratic primary for South Carolina State Senate District 19 on June 11, 2024.
   Quote: “Democratic primary election Democratic primary for South Carolina State Senate District 19 Incumbent Tameika Isaac Devine defeated Michael Addison in the Democratic primary for South Carolina State Senate District 19 on June 11, 2024.”
   Source: Chris Nelums - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Nelums
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Chris+Nelums+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FChris_Nelums#corrections
3. Michael Sullens — Taxes and spending — promised
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Taxes and spending: The new White House Office of Management and Budget rule would give Trump and his administration significantly more power to select, award, cut and terminate grants,
   Quote: “The new White House Office of Management and Budget rule would give Trump and his administration significantly more power to select, award, cut and terminate grants,”
   Source: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fpolicy%2F#corrections
4. Michael Sullens — Healthcare — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Healthcare: Energy: 2026 Best Brands For Value 2026 Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs List The Resilient Enterprise: How A Strategic Insurance Partner Helps Large Firms Navigate Evolving Threats | Paid Program Making It Their Way: Six TikTok Creators On Finding A High-Quality Content Strategy That Pays
   Quote: “Energy: 2026 Best Brands For Value 2026 Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs List The Resilient Enterprise: How A Strategic Insurance Partner Helps Large Firms Navigate Evolving Threats | Paid Program Making It Their Way: Six TikTok Creators On Finding A High-Quality Content Strategy That Pays Off | Paid Program”
   Source: Energy — https://www.forbes.com/energy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fenergy%2F#corrections
5. Michael Sullens — Jobs and economy — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Jobs and economy: What Must Be Done To Bring Back Venezuela’s Democracy And Economy
   Quote: “What Must Be Done To Bring Back Venezuela’s Democracy And Economy”
   Source: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fpolicy%2F#corrections
6. Michael Sullens — Education — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Education: What A Great College Education Should Look Like In An AI World
   Quote: “What A Great College Education Should Look Like In An AI World”
   Source: Energy — https://www.forbes.com/energy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fenergy%2F#corrections
7. Michael Sullens — Jobs and economy — promised
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Jobs and economy: The end of the illusion of safety for the Gulf States is perhaps most significant; it will reorder the world economy.
   Quote: “The end of the illusion of safety for the Gulf States is perhaps most significant; it will reorder the world economy.”
   Source: Energy — https://www.forbes.com/energy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fenergy%2F#corrections
8. Michael Sullens — Healthcare — promised
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Healthcare: Why Health Care Alone Will Never Make A City Healthy
   Quote: “Why Health Care Alone Will Never Make A City Healthy”
   Source: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fpolicy%2F#corrections
9. Michael Sullens — Education — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Education: the Federal Bureau of Prisons is rolling out a new e-tablet programming to improve education, contact with family and entertainment while incarcerated.
   Quote: “the Federal Bureau of Prisons is rolling out a new e-tablet programming to improve education, contact with family and entertainment while incarcerated.”
   Source: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fpolicy%2F#corrections
10. Michael Sullens — Environment and energy — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Environment and energy: More air conditioning could help, but has set off a debate over climate change culprits and if better solutions are possible.
   Quote: “More air conditioning could help, but has set off a debate over climate change culprits and if better solutions are possible.”
   Source: Policy — https://www.forbes.com/policy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Environment+and+energy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fpolicy%2F#corrections
11. Michael Sullens — Healthcare — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Healthcare: Education: 2026 Best Brands For Value 2026 Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs List The Resilient Enterprise: How A Strategic Insurance Partner Helps Large Firms Navigate Evolving Threats | Paid Program Making It Their Way: Six TikTok Creators On Finding A High-Quality Content Strategy That P
   Quote: “Education: 2026 Best Brands For Value 2026 Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs List The Resilient Enterprise: How A Strategic Insurance Partner Helps Large Firms Navigate Evolving Threats | Paid Program Making It Their Way: Six TikTok Creators On Finding A High-Quality Content Strategy That Pays Off | Paid Program”
   Source: Education — https://www.forbes.com/education/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Feducation%2F#corrections
12. Michael Sullens — Jobs and economy — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Jobs and economy: Expanding Journalism Around Education, Work And The Innovation Economy
   Quote: “Expanding Journalism Around Education, Work And The Innovation Economy”
   Source: Education — https://www.forbes.com/education/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Feducation%2F#corrections
13. Michael Sullens — Education — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Education: Latest What A Great College Education Should Look Like In An AI World
   Quote: “Latest What A Great College Education Should Look Like In An AI World”
   Source: Education — https://www.forbes.com/education/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Feducation%2F#corrections
14. Michael Sullens — Taxes and spending — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Taxes and spending: Taxpayers should review filing and payment dates before July 10.
   Quote: “Taxpayers should review filing and payment dates before July 10.”
   Source: Healthcare — https://www.forbes.com/healthcare/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fhealthcare%2F#corrections
15. Michael Sullens — Healthcare — promised
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Healthcare: How OpenAI Plans To Win Over Doctors, Patients And Hospitals
   Quote: “How OpenAI Plans To Win Over Doctors, Patients And Hospitals”
   Source: Healthcare — https://www.forbes.com/healthcare/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fhealthcare%2F#corrections
16. Michael Sullens — Cost of living — supports
   Michael Sullens has a source-backed statement on Cost of living: Affordable Hearing Aids: Best Medical Alert Systems Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
   Quote: “Affordable Hearing Aids: Best Medical Alert Systems Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection”
   Source: Creator Economy — https://www.forbes.com/creator-economy/
   Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Michael+Sullens+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fcreator-economy%2F#corrections
Use this as a portable race comparison snapshot; verify live sources before making final voting decisions.