Growing up on a multi-generational dairy and cattle operation in Central Florida taught me something early in life: when agriculture succeeds, America succeeds.
Farmers and ranchers don’t ask for much. We simply want the ability to work hard, provide for our families, and pass something better on to the next generation. But over the years, too many politicians in Washington forgot about the people who feed this country.
President Donald Trump never did.
That’s one of the many reasons I proudly support President Trump and his America First agenda.
As someone who has spent decades in agriculture, I’ve seen firsthand how government policies impact the price of fuel, fertilizer, equipment, labor, feed, and transportation. I’ve seen how overregulation and bad trade deals can devastate family operations that have existed for generations. And I’ve seen how disconnected many career politicians are from the realities facing rural America.
President Trump changed that conversation.
For the first time in a long time, farmers felt like they had a president who actually understood the importance of American agriculture and wasn’t afraid to fight for it.
President Trump cut regulations that had buried producers under unnecessary red tape. He fought for fairer trade deals that put American producers first instead of letting foreign competitors take advantage of our farmers. He prioritized American energy independence, which matters enormously to agriculture because every increase in fuel costs raises the price of planting, harvesting, irrigation, refrigeration, and transportation.
He also understood that food security is national security.
America should never be dependent on foreign countries to feed our people. We should be supporting American farmers, American ranchers, American dairies, and American producers. President Trump understood that protecting agriculture isn’t just about economics. It’s about protecting the future of our country.
That’s especially important here in Florida.
Agriculture isn’t some talking point in our district. It’s who we are. From cattle, citrus, fishing, and forestry to sugar, dairy, vegetables, and specialty crops, agriculture drives our economy and sustains our rural communities. The people who work the land deserve a representative who actually understands their way of life because he’s lived it himself.
That’s one reason I believe I’m uniquely prepared to go head-to-head with Darren Soto.
Congressman Soto has spent years voting with the liberal leadership in Washington while communities like ours deal with rising costs, inflation, overregulation, and attacks on the industries that keep Florida running. Too often, politicians talk about agriculture while supporting policies pushed by activists and bureaucrats who make it harder for farmers to survive.
I’m different because agriculture isn’t part of my résumé. It’s my life.
I’ve worked in it. I’ve lived it. I understand the challenges farmers face because my family has faced them too. I know what rising fuel prices mean for a producer. I know what labor shortages do to operations. I know how critical water policy is to agriculture and rural communities. And I know that if we keep sending career politicians to Washington who don’t understand these industries, Florida families will continue to pay the price.
President Trump understands that America First starts with protecting the people who feed America. I believe voters in this district want someone who shares that understanding and can authentically fight for agriculture, rural communities, conservative values, and Florida jobs in Congress.
That’s exactly what I intend to do.
Benjamin "Ben" Butler, a Republican candidate for Congress in the 9th District, is a lifelong, ninth-generation Florida dairy farmer, agricultural leader, businessman, and public servant rooted in the values of faith, hard work, stewardship, and service. 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.
