Former Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Denise Grimsley, Leads New Round of Endorsements for Butler

"Former Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Denise Grimsley, Leads New Round of Endorsements for Butler"

The endorsements underscore Butler's standing as the candidate in this race with real-world credentials in Florida agriculture, a proven record of community service, and the only one consistently earning a groundswell of grassroots support.

OKEECHOBEE, FL — Ben Butler, Republican candidate for Florida's 9th Congressional District, today announced endorsements from three prominent Florida leaders with deep roots in agriculture, public service, and healthcare:

Denise Grimsley, Former Florida State Senator and Former Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Jimmy Beilling, Past President of the Florida Forestry Association, and Dr. Cary Pigman, physician and former State Representative, are all supporting Ben Butler for Congress.

Former State Senator Denise Grimsley, who chaired the Senate Agriculture Committee during her time in the Florida Legislature, offered her endorsement of Butler as a leader who understands the real-world stakes of governing.

"Ben Butler is exactly that kind of leader," said Grimsley. "As a dairy farmer, cattle rancher, and ninth-generation Floridian, Ben understands the challenges facing Florida's families, small businesses, and agricultural producers because he lives them every day."

Grimsley added that Washington needs more leaders who have built businesses, created jobs, and produced something essential to the economy. “Ben brings a farmer's work ethic, a producer's common sense, and a deep love for Florida to this race. I'm proud to endorse Ben and encourage Floridians to join me in supporting his campaign for Congress."

"As a farmer and former president of the Florida Forestry Association, I've spent my career working alongside the people who steward Florida's land and water," said Jimmy Beilling. "That's why I'm proud to endorse Ben Butler for Florida's 9th Congressional District."

Beilling pointed to Butler's agriculture background as central to his decision, noting that Butler isn't a politician who discovered agriculture for a campaign. Butler currently serves on the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, where he has worked on water policy decisions affecting Florida's growers and natural resources.

"The families who work this land in Osceola, Orange, and Polk counties deserve a representative who'll fight for them," Beilling added. "Ben Butler is that person, and he has my full support."

Dr. Cary Pigman, a physician and former State Representative who served a district covering Glades, Highlands, Okeechobee, and parts of St. Lucie counties, also announced his support for Butler.

"Good leaders listen, solve problems, and put people ahead of politics," said Dr. Pigman. "Ben Butler embodies those qualities. He has built a successful agricultural operation, served his community, and understands the values that make Florida strong. Ben will bring a practical, commonsense approach to Congress, and I am proud to support him."

Butler thanked all three endorsers and said their support reflects the campaign's broader coalition of Floridians who want to send a problem- solver to Washington.

"I'm incredibly honored to have the support of Denise, Jimmy, and Dr. Pigman," said Butler. "These are people who have dedicated their lives to agriculture, public service, and their communities. Their endorsement means the world to me, and I'm going to work every day to earn the trust of the families across this district."

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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