James Shaw

James Shaw earned a bachelor's degree from Colgate University in 1983.[1] His career experience includes working as an organic farmer and business owner.[2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

James Shaw ran for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2022 in one of the greatest grassroots campaigns in recent Florida history, earning almost 600,000 votes against the big-agriculture-backed winner — roughly 200,000 votes short of victory. He received more votes than Jay Collins, Byron Donalds, and Paul Renner received in their respective races combined. As a proud member of the Mayflower Society, Shaw is a direct descendant of the Founding Fathers, and he has built multiple successful businesses across transportation, compost farming, real estate, and fast food. He is self-funded, beholden to no PAC, and reports only to the people of Florida. Shaw is a 12th-generation American, Colgate University graduate, man of faith, devoted husband of 44 years, father of 8 and grandfather of 28. The majority of his grandchildren are homeschooled.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Stop AI Data Centers and Overdevelopment

Shaw helped lead the coalition that defeated the “Okee-One” AI data center proposed near Lake Okeechobee, persuading the DeSantis administration to withdraw state funding and support. The project would have consumed millions of gallons of water annually, strained the local power grid, discharged chemical blowdown into already-stressed waterways, and created dangerous heat islands near environmentally sensitive land. Shaw calls it part of a larger fight: Florida is losing an estimated 45,000 acres of land a year, and he wants to keep farmland as farmland while protecting clean beaches, food, and water from unchecked expansion.Stop Florida's AI Job Apocalypse

Shaw is one of the few candidates willing to confront the coming wave of AI-driven job loss head-on. Microsoft's AI CEO has predicted that most, if not all, white-collar tasks could be automated within 18 months, and computer scientist Stuart Russell has warned of potential 80% unemployment as AI threatens workers from white collar workers to truck drivers and tradespeople. Over 10 million Americans work in transportation alone, and emerging robotics platforms are now targeting construction and skilled-trade jobs as well. Shaw refuses AI PAC money — unlike his leading opponent, who has accepted millions from the same tech interests buying up Florida land and eliminating jobs through AI technology.Economic Freedom / Lower Living Costs

Shaw supports business-friendly policies for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism that create real opportunity for Florida families. Shaw will aggressively pursue lowering living costs by creating competition driven solutions such as researching promising peptide and anti-parasitic healthcare treatments.

Protect Personal Rights

No vaccine mandates. No digital surveillance state. Shaw says Floridians' personal sovereignty will never be compromised under his administration.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Back to Basics in Education

Shaw wants Florida schools to refocus on fundamentals: cursive, manners, etiquette, ethics, recess, discipline (including drum corps and marching band programs), and instilling the value of hard work. Shaw has built multiple successful businesses across transportation, compost farming, real estate, and fast food, and developed a management philosophy he calls “SoftHard™.” The approach works in two phases: first, “soft” — approaching every issue or opportunity with compassion, gathering data, insights, and feedback from every stakeholder, formal and informal; then “hard” — attacking the issue with experts and facts, building strategic policies designed to maximize reward and minimize risk. FL needs a manager!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Uncle Sam Project, See list here https://www.votejim.us/view-endorsements

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 12th generation American. Married 40years ( Patricia ) . Father of 8 children and 22 grandchildren.. Manager in transportation . Managed 600 employees (525 teamsters local 430 Harrisburg PA).. Owned freight employee business with 200-400 employees based on season..Owned 3 Auntie Anne pretzel fanchises. Owned 30 acre compost farm specializing in totally organic soil for organic growers.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Good food..Farmers are Florida's most valuable asset.As a civilization, country ,or state without the protection of our food source and the ability to provide our food source we cannot exist.Good water. Florida's water situation is front and center. Drinking and bathing water in many parts of the state is accessible at only 5' deep. Poisons, must be kept out of our water systems..Our shorelines on both sides of the state must be free to enjoy beaches 24/7 365 days a year..Water issues must be addressed to make sure every citizen of Florida is protected from anything less than perfect water.Good guns. I am 100% pro gun..The "Bill of Rights" has 10 amendments..right behind freedom of the right to free assembly,religion and speech the Founders knew to protect the first Amendment citizens would need the right to bear arms..I agree.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about protecting Florida from Far Left Agendas that are capable of destroying our state if implemented. Citizens should be protected from " strangle hold" regulations that governments if not held in check are capable of doing. For day to day survival our food, water, and guns must be protected.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The office of Commissioner of Agriculture has 3600 employees. 18 departments, 300 different commodities..the Position requires a seasoned manager who both knows business and knows how to get his hands dirty. My work and life history shows my experience in both.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official can never forget that He or She is a public servant. The world is becoming a very dangerous place. Elected officials must take on the mind of a protector and quardian..Loyalty, integrity and honesty cannot be just be " political cliches" ..

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

My personal responsibility would be to protect Florida from any internal or out of state threat. I would consider myself as a guardian for all Floridians.

Food, Water, and Guns ( protection ) are the top of the list..Federal intervention, if not reasonable to the Florida citizenry would have to be put in check.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Compassion for your fellow citizen combined with business experience and the ability to understand the fundamental needs of food , water, and self protection are key components that certainly do not require any political history.