"Ben Butler Posts Incredibly Strong First Fundraising Quarter, Demonstrating Broad Grassroots Support and Building the Campaign Needed to Defeat Darren Soto"
Republican congressional candidate Ben Butler announced today that his campaign raised over $330,000 during its first fundraising quarter, fueled by almost 300 individual donors from across Florida and the nation. That amount does not include any candidate loans.
OKEECHOBEE, FL — Republican congressional candidate Ben Butler announced today that his campaign raised over $330,000 during its first fundraising quarter, fueled by almost 300 individual donors from across Florida and the nation. That amount does not include any candidate loans.
The fundraising report underscores the growing momentum behind Butler’s campaign and highlights what separates his candidacy from the rest of the Republican field: broad grassroots support from individual donors rather than reliance on personal loans, which have been known to be used for political gamesmanship and can be returned to a candidate if the candidate chooses to do so.
While other Republican candidates have largely depended on self- funding to finance their campaigns, Butler has built a coalition of supporters who are investing in the campaign because they believe he is the strongest conservative to defeat Congressman Darren Soto and represent Florida’s 9th Congressional District.
“When people contribute to a campaign, they’re investing in a vision for the future,” Butler said. “I’m incredibly grateful for every supporter who has stepped up to help us build this campaign. We’re proving that this race isn’t about who can write themselves the biggest check, but rather about earning the trust and support of the people we’re asking to represent.”
Excluding personal loans made by candidates to their own campaigns, Butler currently leads the field in fundraising. In addition, he has outraised what other Republican nominees have raised in an entire cycle for this seat by a significant margin, demonstrating the campaign’s ability to attract genuine donor support and build the financial foundation necessary to compete in both the primary and the general election.
That momentum extends well beyond fundraising.
Butler remains the only Republican candidate in the race endorsed by members of Florida’s congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Congressman Greg Steube. He has also earned the backing of sheriffs and local elected leaders throughout Florida’s 9th Congressional District, reflecting a campaign built from the ground up with support from the conservative grassroots.
“Our team continues to prove that we’re building the organization it takes to win,” Derek Dufresne, General Consultant for Ben Butler’s campaign, said. “We’re growing our volunteer network, expanding our voter outreach, earning the confidence of conservative leaders, and raising the resources needed to communicate with voters across this district. Every benchmark we’ve hit points to the same conclusion: we’re building the campaign that can win the Republican primary and take the fight to Darren Soto.”
Campaign officials said the fundraising success will allow Butler to continue expanding voter contact efforts and strengthening the campaign’s field operation across FL-09.
Butler added, “Our campaign has always been about building the organization, coalition, and momentum necessary to win in August and deliver a conservative victory in November. We’re just getting started."
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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 9, 2026
Press Contact:
Derek Dufresne
Derek@ascent-strategic.com
