Florida Young Republican Chairman Among Another Round of Endorsements for Ben Butler in FL-09

OKEECHOBEE, FL — A major leader in the next generation of Florida Republicans has made its choice, and that choice is Ben Butler.

As the Chair of the Florida Young Republicans, Brandon Ludwig leads a 1,200-member organization that has put boots on the ground in more than 50 state and local campaigns across Florida. He knows what it takes to win, and he knows what the Republican Party needs in Washington. A sixth-generation Floridian and elected City Councilman in Keystone Heights, Ludwig represents a new generation of conservative leadership that is all-in on Ben Butler.

"Ben Butler is exactly the kind of America First conservative that Florida's 9th District needs in Congress," said Ludwig. "He's not a politician looking for a title, he's a farmer and a fighter looking to stand with President Trump and ensure the next generation of Floridians enjoy a free and prosperous state and nation. I am proud to put my full support behind Ben Butler for Congress in my personal capacity.”

Alongside Ludwig, additional community leaders are putting their names behind Ben Butler and his campaign.

Justin Sharpless, Chair of the Polk County School Board, is putting his support behind Butler, joined by Property Appraisers Mickey Bandi of Okeechobee County, Wesley Davis of Indian River County, and Raymond McIntyre of Highlands County.

Butler says continued outpouring of support reflects a district that is ready for a different kind of representation in Washington.

"From young conservatives who are building this party's future to the local officials who show up every day and do the hard work, the message is the same: the people of Florida’s 9th District deserve a fighter who shares their values and will never back down. That is exactly what I intend to be."

Prior endorsements of the campaign can be found below.

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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 4th, 2026

Press Contact:

Derek Dufresne

Derek@ascent-strategic.com