Ben Butler Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge

OKEECHOBEE, FL — Republican congressional candidate Ben Butler today announced he has signed the Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Protection Pledge, making a strong commitment to Florida's 9th Congressional District voters.

This stipulates to the voters that he will oppose any and all efforts to increase marginal income tax rates for individuals and businesses, and he will oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits unless they are matched dollar for dollar by further reductions in tax rates.

"Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and I refuse to let politicians in D.C. solve their reckless habits on the backs of hardworking Florida families, farms, and small business owners," said Butler. "Signing this pledge is my promise to the people of this district. I am going to Congress to make sure tax cuts are protected and expanded, not reversed by politicians who think they know better than you on how to spend your hard-earned money."

Americans for Tax Reform, founded by Grover Norquist, has administered the Taxpayer Protection Pledge for decades and it has become one of the gold standard commitments in American politics for candidates serious about fiscal conservatism.

Butler's signing of the pledge adds another pillar to his America First platform, reinforcing his commitment to keeping taxes low, growing the economy, and ensuring that the federal government lives within its means without reaching deeper into the wallets of the families, farmers, and small business owners of Florida's 9th District.

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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 5th, 2026

Press Contact:

Derek Dufresne

Derek@ascent-strategic.com