Okeechobee County - Trump County - Unites Behind Ben Butler for Congress

OKEECHOBEE, FL — In a county where President Donald Trump won solidly, the people who know this community best, have made their choice for Florida's 9th Congressional District: Ben Butler.

Sheriff Noel Stephen and Mayor Dowling Watford, Jr. were among the first to step forward. In a county that runs red, the Sheriff and the Mayor carry significant weight, and when they speak, Okeechobee listens.

That momentum didn't stop there.

The entire Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners, Chair David Hazellief, 1st Vice Chair Terry Burroughs, 2nd Vice Chair Bradley Goodbread, Commissioner Frank DeCarlo, and Commissioner Michael Sumner, have thrown their full support behind Butler. These are the elected leaders managing Okeechobee's roads, budgets, and the day-to-day lives of its residents. They know what conservative, America First leadership looks like in practice, and they see it in Ben Butler.

The entire Okeechobee County School Board followed suit, endorsing Ben's educational vision.

Board Chair Jill Holcomb, Vice Chair Christine Bishop, and Board Members Malissa Morgan, Melisa Jahner, and Amanda Riedel have all endorsed Butler. The people entrusted to protect Okeechobee's children understand what's at stake in Washington, and they're not sitting this one out.

Butler called the outpouring of support a reflection of something bigger than his campaign.

"President Trump carried Okeechobee County because the people here don't just talk about America First, they live it. Every single day. I am going to Congress to make sure Washington finally works for the hardworking people of this district, not the other way around."

The breadth of support, from law enforcement to local government to the school board, signals a county that is locked in and ready to send a fighter to Washington.

"When the Sheriff, the Mayor, every county commissioner, and every school board member in a county that backed President Trump stands up and says 'we choose Ben Butler,' that's not just an endorsement. That's a mandate. And like President Trump, I will not let them down."

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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:

May 28th, 2026

Press Contact:

Derek Dufresne

Derek@ascent-strategic.com