Full Breakdown
Dan Green Wins GOP Nomination in Florida’s Newly Redrawn 9th Congressional District
8/21/2026, 10:34:05 PM
Background & Context
In a rare mid-decade redrawing, the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature approved a new congressional map during a special session in April 2026, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law in May. The revised 9th District now includes all of Indian River, Okeechobee, Glades, and Highlands counties and portions of Osceola, Orange, and Polk counties, shifting the district from a modest Democratic registration advantage to a Republican one.
Core Event – Primary Victory
On August 18 2026, seven candidates contested the Republican primary for the 9th District. Dan Green, a Navy veteran and former Trump-administration defense official, secured the nomination with 14,740 votes (25.38 %), edging out Ben Butler, who received 14,151 votes (24.37 %). Green’s margin of victory was 589 votes. The results were certified by the Florida supervisor of elections database.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dan Green – Navy veteran, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development, and Heritage Foundation research fellow.
- Darren Soto – Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative for the former 9th District.
- Ron DeSantis – Governor of Florida, signed the new map.
- Lasha Boree – Okeechobee County Republican Party state committeewoman, supporter of Green.
- Richard Hudson – Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, praised Green’s win.
Data & Statistics
- Green: 14,740 votes (25.38 %)
- Butler: 14,151 votes (24.37 %)
- Thomas Chalifoux Jr.: 20.32 % (?9,400 votes)
- Jorge Martinez: 19.49 % (?9,000 votes)
- Remaining candidates each received 2 %–5 % of the vote.
- The new district stretches roughly 60 miles farther south and about 30 miles east compared with the 2024 configuration, adding Vero Beach and reaching near Lake Okeechobee.
Official Statements & Responses
Lasha Boree praised Green’s military background and Pentagon experience, saying his leadership would benefit the community. Richard Hudson congratulated Green and highlighted the GOP’s effort to expand its congressional delegation under the new map. Incumbent Darren Soto criticized the redistricting as a violation of Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, arguing it shifted his district from a Democratic to a Republican advantage.
Criticism & Opposition
Soto’s legal challenge to the map was denied by the Florida Supreme Court, which said it lacked jurisdiction while the lawsuit proceeds in lower courts. Democrats maintain the redrawing constitutes partisan gerrymandering and undermines voter representation.
Timeline
- April 2026 – Florida House and Senate approve new congressional map.
- May 2026 – Gov. DeSantis signs the map into law.
- August 18 2026 – Republican primary; Dan Green wins nomination.
- November 3 2026 (scheduled) – General election; Green will face incumbent Darren Soto.
What’s Next
The general election is set for Tuesday, November 3 2026. Both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach as the district’s new composition makes the race highly competitive.
