VERO BEACH — Dan Green, a Navy Reserve captain and Vero Beach High School graduate, is asking Indian River County voters to send him to Congress in the Republican primary for Florida’s 9th District on Tuesday.
Green, 50, grew up here. His mother taught in the county school system for 25 years. He still lives in Vero Beach and has drawn endorsements from a string of local officials who say he understands the community in a way outsiders in the crowded field do not.
Indian River Shores Mayor Brian Foley called him “a native son of Indian River County” who has the “energy, intellect, and courage” for the job. County Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan, a former chair of the Republican Party of Florida, said Green is “the most formidable candidate in this race” and will fight rising costs. Former Tax Collector and state Rep. Charlie Sembler and former state committeeman Joe Coakley have also backed him.
Green’s military record is the centerpiece of his pitch. He was working at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. He later completed five deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including time attached to Navy SEAL teams. He remains an active drilling reservist after 23 years of service. In 2019, President Donald Trump appointed him deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development.
Supporters point to that background as preparation for the district’s new map. After redistricting earlier this year, Indian River County moved into District 9, which now stretches from parts of Orange and Osceola counties south through Highlands, Okeechobee and Glades. The redrawn seat is expected to lean Republican. Green faces six other Republicans on the Aug. 18 primary ballot. The winner will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto in November.
Green has raised more than $1 million, largely through personal loans to his campaign. He has collected endorsements from Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon, U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Mike Haridopolos of Florida, U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana, and former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack.
On the issues, Green says affordability tops the list for local families. He wants to cut regulations he argues drive up grocery, gas and housing prices, support American farmers and manufacturers, and lower property insurance rates. He has said he would vote yes on a proposed constitutional amendment to slash property taxes. He also lists overdevelopment that pushes longtime residents out of their communities as a priority.
Public safety and election integrity are other focus areas. Green supports requiring proof of citizenship and identification for federal elections, citing his experience assisting with the 2000 Florida recount. Law enforcement backers say he will push for stronger borders and stand with first responders.
Green has described his campaign in straightforward terms: He fought overseas and does not intend to watch what he calls attacks on freedoms at home. He has said he will stand with Trump’s agenda on national security, fiscal restraint and constitutional limits on government.
The primary is closed. Only registered Republicans can vote Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
