House Agriculture Chairman G.T. Thompson Endorses Ben Butler for Congress
Okeechobee, Fla — Today, Congressman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, announced his endorsement of Republican congressional candidate Ben Butler in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, citing Butler’s firsthand agricultural experience and commitment to protecting America’s food supply and rural communities.
“As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I know how important it is to have producers at the table when Congress makes decisions affecting America’s food supply and rural communities. We need leaders who understand that food security is national security. That’s Ben Butler. He is a farmer who understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture. He’ll be a principled conservative voice for Florida, our farm families, and the next generation of American agriculture. I’m proud to support Ben Butler for Congress.”
— Congressman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, Chairman, House Agriculture Committee
Butler, a ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer, and beef cattle rancher, has built his campaign around bringing the perspective of producers, not career politicians, to Washington.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of Chairman G.T. Thompson, one of the strongest champions for America’s farmers and ranchers in Congress,” said Butler. “Chairman Thompson understands that the decisions made in Washington have real consequences for the families who feed this country. I’m running because our farmers deserve someone who has lived the challenges they face, not someone who’s only read about them in a briefing book. I’ll fight every day to strengthen American agriculture, protect our food supply, and ensure rural communities have a strong voice in Congress.”
Thompson’s endorsement further solidifies Butler’s growing support from conservative leaders who recognize the importance of electing someone with real-world agricultural experience to represent one of Florida’s most agriculturally significant congressional districts.
Throughout his campaign, Butler has emphasized that food security is national security, calling for policies that strengthen domestic food production, reduce burdensome regulations, protect farmland, invest in rural infrastructure, and ensure America’s farmers remain competitive for generations to come.
###
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.
###
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
G.T. Thompson – Congressman, House Agriculture Chairman, PA-15
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
###
Release Date:
July 27, 2026
Press Contact:
Derek Dufresne
Derek@ascent-strategic.com
