Ben Butler Files Qualifying Paperwork Alongside 97-Year-Old Grandmother.
The moment carried special significance for Butler, a ninth-generation Floridian, who was joined while signing his paperwork by his grandmother, Mildred Butler
OKEECHOBEE, FL — Republican congressional candidate Ben Butler has officially qualified for the ballot in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, marking a significant milestone in his campaign to bring conservative, rural Florida values to Washington.
The moment carried special significance for Butler, a ninth-generation Floridian, who was joined while signing his qualifying paperwork by his grandmother, 97-year-old Mildred Butler.
The photo of Butler completing his qualifying documents alongside his grandmother captures more than a campaign milestone — it reflects generations of Florida history, family, and a deep-rooted commitment to the communities that have called the Sunshine State home for centuries.
“Being a ninth-generation Floridian isn’t something you can put on a resume. It’s part of who I am,” Butler said. “My family has been here through generations of Florida’s growth, challenges, and success. Having my grandmother, Mildred, by my side as I officially qualified for the ballot made this moment incredibly special. At 97 years young, she represents the strength, faith, perseverance, and values that shaped our family and shaped Florida.”
A dairy farmer and cattle rancher, Butler has built his campaign around bringing real-world experience to Congress and fighting for Florida families struggling with rising costs, government overreach, and challenges facing agriculture and small businesses.
“Mildred Butler has witnessed nearly a century of Florida history,” Butler continued. “She’s seen our state transform from a largely rural place into one of the most dynamic states in America. Through it all, she’s remained grounded in the values of hard work, personal responsibility,
faith, and family. Those are the same values I’ll take with me to Washington.”
The qualifying milestone comes as Butler continues to build momentum across the district, earning support from elected officials, community leaders, farmers, ranchers, law enforcement officers, and grassroots conservatives throughout Central Florida.
For Butler, however, the qualifying paperwork was about more than securing a place on the ballot.
“Politics can become focused on headlines and elections,” Butler said. “This moment was a reminder of what really matters. Family. Legacy. Community. I couldn’t imagine a better person to share this day with than my grandmother. It was an amazing moment with an amazing lady.”
Florida’s 9th Congressional District includes communities across Central Florida and the Heartland region, where Butler has spent his life working in agriculture and advocating for rural communities.
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Benjamin "Ben" Butler is a lifelong, ninth-generation Floridian, agricultural leader, businessman, and public servant rooted in the values of faith, hard work, stewardship, and service.
Raised in Central Florida, Ben helped build and operate Butler Oaks Farm, a multi-generational dairy and cattle operation. Through decades of hands-on experience, he managed employees, balanced budgets, navigated complex regulations, and made the real-world decisions necessary to keep a business running and families employed.
Governor DeSantis appointed Ben to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board in 2019, 2021, and 2024, where he has helped oversee Everglades restoration, flood protection, water supply, and natural resource management across South Florida.
Ben has also served in leadership roles with the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida FFA Foundation, Southeast Milk Inc., and Newtrient. A former Florida FFA State President, Ben has long believed in investing in future generations and strengthening Florida's rural communities.
Ben earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Animal Science from the University of Florida, with a focus on dairy management, agricultural economics, and natural resource management.
Ben is joined in his commitment to agriculture and youth development by his wife, April, a native Floridian, FSU graduate, and former law enforcement professional who volunteers with 4-H, FFA Alumni, and the South Florida Fair dairy shows. Their daughter Hannah raises registered dairy and beef heifers through FFA and 4-H, and is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Club America at her high school.
Together, the Butler family remains deeply rooted in Florida's Heartland, dedicated to preserving its agricultural heritage, supporting youth leadership, and serving their community.
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With the excitement of the campaign growing, Butler has picked up many endorsements, both federal and local, including:
Congressional:
Kat Cammack – Congresswoman, FL-03
Greg Steube – Congressman, FL-17
City of Okeechobee:
Dowling Watford, Jr. – Mayor
Monica Clark – Vice Mayor
Noel Chandler – Council Member
Bob Jarriel – Council Member
David McAuley – Council Member
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners:
David Hazellief – Chair, Commissioner
Terry Burroughs – 1st Vice Chair, Commissioner
Bradley Goodbread – 2nd Vice Chair, Commissioner
Frank DeCarlo – Commissioner
Michael Sumner – Commissioner
Okeechobee County School Board:
Jill Holcomb – Board Chair, District 5
Christine Bishop – Vice Chair, District 1
Malissa Morgan – Board Member, District 2
Melisa Jahner – Board Member, District 3
Amanda Riedel – Board Member, District 4
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners:
Don Elwell – Chair, Commissioner
Chris Campbell – Vice Chair, Commissioner
Arlene Tuck – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac – Commissioner
Kevin Roberts – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac - Commissioner
Sheriffs:
Sheriff Paul Blackman – Highlands County
Sheriff David Hardin – Glades County
Sheriff Noel Stephen – Okeechobee County
Sheriff Eric Flowers – Indian River County
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Release Date:
June 10, 2026
Press Contact:
Derek Dufresne
Derek@ascent-strategic.com
