Indian River County – Dan Green, a Navy veteran and former Trump administration appointee, emerged as the Republican nominee for Florida’s 9th Congressional District after a tightly contested primary held on Aug. 19. Green captured 14,740 votes, or 25.38 percent of the total, narrowly beating fellow candidate Ben Butler, who received 14,151 votes (24.37 percent). The race featured seven candidates, and Green won by a margin of 589 votes.
Candidate background and campaign focus
Green, a native of Indian River County, highlighted his military service and experience working at the Pentagon in his campaign messaging. In a statement released after the vote, he said, “I am humbled by the trust voters have placed in me tonight and eager to earn the support of those who may have been with a different candidate in this primary. Congressman Darren Soto has been a part of the problem in Washington, D.C. for far too long, but united, we can defeat him in November.” He added that Floridians need leaders who will protect the constitutional government, support hard‑working families, and address the gridlock that has kept Congress from passing a budget in 30 years.
Local party reaction
Lasha Boree, the Okeechobee County Republican Party State Committeewoman, praised Green’s military background and Pentagon experience, calling him a “valuable asset to our community” and expressing confidence that he will advance Republican values throughout the district.
National Republican support
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson issued a statement noting that Green is a “decorated Navy veteran, former Trump administration appointee, and Indian River County native” who has the ability to deliver for the Sunshine State in Washington. Hudson criticized incumbent Democrat Darren Soto, describing his record as a “far‑left agenda of higher taxes and weaker public safety” and asserting that Central Florida is ready for change.
Redistricting context
The 9th Congressional District was reshaped during a mid‑decade redistricting effort led by Governor Ron DeSantis. Republican majorities in the Florida House and Senate approved the new map in a special session in April, and DeSatis signed it into law in May. The redrawn district now includes Indian River and Okeechobee counties, as well as Glades, Highlands, and portions of Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties. Previously a Democratic‑leaning area, the new configuration tilts the district toward Republicans for the 2026 election cycle.
General election outlook
Green will face incumbent Democrat Darren Soto, who represents Orlando, in the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. With 76 days remaining before Election Day, Green’s campaign has emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, reduced federal debt, and protection of individual liberties.
Voters in the district can follow the race through the WPBF 25 News app, which provides ongoing updates on campaign events, policy positions, and election logistics.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
