Republican congressional candidate Ben Butler says he raised more than $100,000 in the first 48 hours after filing to unseat U.S. Rep. Darren Soto.

“Washington is broken because too many politicians go there to play games instead of focusing on achieving real results for the American people. This campaign is different,” Butler said.

“We launched with momentum, securing support from Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Congressman Greg Steube and many local elected leaders who know we are going to win. We launched with energy, and now we’re proving we will have the financial support to win. Floridians are ready for a conservative fighter who will stand with President Trump, secure the border, protect our freedoms, and actually deliver results.”

Derek Dufresne, a consultant for Butler’s campaign, said support came from a number of conservative and business leaders, as well as a fair share of first-time donors.

“Raising over $100,000 in just 48 hours sends a loud message to the political establishment that this campaign is for real,” Butler said.

“People are fed up with empty promises and Republican politicians who talk tough back home but cave in Washington. I’m running to fight, and this incredible outpouring of support shows voters are ready to send a fighter to Congress. Be assured though that this first $100,000 is just the beginning of our campaign warchest.”

Detailed fundraising reports with the Federal Election Commission will not be available until July.

Butler on Monday launched a campaign in Florida’s 9th Congressional District. Under a new map approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the district now spans from Kissimmee to Okeechobee.

Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, has served in Congress since 2016, most recently in a Central Florida seat where more than 51% of voters supported Democrat Kamala Harris for President. But under the new CD 9 lines, upward of 58% supported Republican Donald Trump. The map is being challenged in court, but Soto said he’s running in CD 9 regardless.

But Butler also faces competition for the Republican nomination in the seat. Former Osceola School Board Member Thomas Chalifoux, the GOP nominee against Soto in 2024, said he will run in the new CD 9. He has reported $2.3 million, primarily with self-funding. Steve Rance raised almost $94,000 for the seat through March to challenge Soto and said he is still in the race as well.

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