"Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC Announces Support for Ben Butler for Congress"
Agriculture isn’t just my profession—it’s my family’s way of life. I understand the challenges our farmers and ranchers face because I’ve lived them every day.
OKEECHOBEE, FL — Ben Butler, Republican candidate for Florida’s 9th Congressional District, today announced the support of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC, one of Florida’s leading agricultural political organizations representing the interests of farm families across the state.
A ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer, and cattle rancher, Butler has spent his career working alongside Florida’s agricultural community and advocating for the issues that matter most to the state’s farmers and ranchers.
“Florida agriculture needs leaders who understand the challenges facing our farmers and ranchers because they’ve lived them. Ben Butler has dedicated his life to agriculture, conservation, and serving Florida’s rural communities. Long before becoming a candidate for Congress, Ben was a trusted advocate for Florida Farm Bureau and the farmers and ranchers we represent. His unwavering commitment to the issues that matter most to Florida agriculture has earned our respect, and our Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC is proud to support his campaign for Congress.”
— Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation
Butler said he is honored to have earned the support of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC.
“I am deeply grateful for the support of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC and for the confidence they’ve placed in our campaign,” Butler said. “Agriculture isn’t just my profession—it’s my family’s way of life. I understand the challenges our farmers and ranchers face because I’ve lived them every day. In Congress, I’ll fight to protect Florida agriculture, strengthen America’s food security, defend private property rights, and ensure Washington never forgets that our farmers and ranchers are essential to our nation’s future.”
Before entering the race for Congress, Butler built a reputation as a trusted advocate for Florida agriculture. Through his work as a farmer, rancher, and member of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, he has worked to promote responsible conservation, protect Florida’s natural resources, and ensure agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy.
The support from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC adds to the growing momentum behind Butler’s campaign as Republican voters prepare to choose a conservative leader with real-world experience and deep roots in Florida’s agricultural community.
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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:
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
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:
Chris Campbell – Vice Chair, Commissioner
Arlene Tuck – Commissioner
Scott Kirouac – Commissioner
Kevin Roberts – Commissioner
Property Appraisers:
Mickey Bandi - Okeechobee County
Wesley Davis - Indian River County
Raymond Mcintrye - Highlands County
Polk County School Board:
Justin Sharpless - Chair
Agricultural and Business Leaders:
Avery C. Roberts - Founder and CEO of The Roberts Companies
C. Austen Roberts - Company President of The Roberts Companies
Jimmy Beilling - Past President of the Florida Forestry Association
Former Elected Officials:
Denise Grimsley - Former Florida State Senator and Former Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee
Dr. Cary Pigman - Physician and Former State Representative
Activists:
Brandon Ludwig - Chair, Florida Young Republicans and Keystone Heights City Councilman
Groups:
Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Okeechobee IAFF Local 2918
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Release Date:
July 2, 2026
Press Contact:
Derek Dufresne
Derek@ascent-strategic.com
