Voters in Glades County will have a new congressional representative next year, and the race to fill the seat is already drawing a crowded Republican field.
Following Florida’s congressional redistricting overhaul, Glades County was moved into the newly configured 9th Congressional District, a sprawling Central Florida and Heartland district that now stretches across rural communities including Glades, Highlands and Okeechobee counties.
The changes significantly altered the political makeup of the district. Under the new map, more than 59% of voters supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, compared to less than 41% who backed former Vice President Kamala Harris. The previous version of the district leaned Democratic, helping incumbent U.S. Rep. Darren Soto win re-election with about 55% of the vote.
With the district now viewed as one of Florida Republicans’ top pickup opportunities, several GOP candidates are competing ahead of the Aug. 18 Republican primary.
One of the leading contenders is Ben Butler, a ninth-generation Florida cattle rancher, dairy farmer and agriculture executive who has built a growing coalition of support from local officials throughout the region.
This week, Butler announced endorsements from Avery C. Roberts and C. Austen Roberts, leaders of The Roberts Companies, who praised his background in agriculture and natural resource management.
“Washington needs more people who understand agriculture from the inside out,” Avery Roberts said in a statement.
Butler has emphasized his experience in farming, water management and rural economic issues. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to multiple terms on the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, where he has worked on Everglades restoration, flood protection and water supply projects affecting communities throughout South Florida.
His campaign has also received endorsements from Reps. Kat Cammack and Greg Steube, along with support from several local governments and elected officials across the district.
Among Butler’s most notable endorsements is Glades County Sheriff David Hardin, who joined sheriffs from neighboring Highlands, Okeechobee and Indian River counties in backing the candidate. Hardin, who is serving his third term and is expected to retire when his current term ends, cited Butler’s commitment to rural communities and agriculture.
Butler’s local support also includes endorsements from the Okeechobee and Highlands county commissions, as well as municipal and school board officials throughout the district.
The GOP field also includes Dan Green, a Navy Reserve officer and former Pentagon appointee under the Trump administration; retired Marine Corps officer and former F/A-18 fighter pilot Justin Story, who qualified for the ballot by petition; and Thomas Chalifoux, the Republican nominee who challenged Soto in 2024.
For Glades County voters, the race marks the first opportunity to help choose a representative from the newly drawn district. The Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, with the general election set for Nov. 3.