VERO BEACH, Fla. — Dan Green, a military veteran and former appointee under President Donald J. Trump, announced a sweeping slate of endorsements Thursday from Florida lawmakers, local officials, and prominent veterans groups for his campaign in Florida’s 9th Congressional District.
The list of backers features major regional figures, including Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Florida Republican Sen. Danny Burgess, and Florida Republican Rep. Patt Maney, signaling strong institutional support for Green within the GOP primary field.
“The people of District 9 deserve a representative who understands service, sacrifice and the cost of failed leadership in Washington,” Green said in a statement. “I’m running for Congress to stand with President Trump, put hardworking Floridians first and fight for the affordability, safety and opportunity our families deserve.”
Green is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and continues to serve as an active drilling reservist. His military career includes five combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan spanning Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. In 2019, Trump appointed Green to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development.
Public safety and legislative leaders praised Green’s military background and his alignment with the “America First” platform.
“I know he will stand with President Trump to keep our communities safe, protect our military, and grow our economy even stronger,” Sheriff Ivey said. Sen. Burgess, a fellow service member, added that Green is “uniquely qualified to legislate with wisdom, discipline and integrity.”
The campaign highlighted deep roots in the local community by rolling out endorsements from a wide array of Indian River County officials and civic leaders. Among them are Indian River Shores Mayor Brian Foley; Carole Jean Jordan, the Indian River County Tax Collector and former Chair of the Republican Party of Florida; former Tax Collector and State Representative Charlie Sembler; former State Committeeman Joe Coakley; and former Representative Ralph Poppell.
Green also secured backing from business and defense sector leaders, including Dan Richey, President and CEO of Riverfront Packing Co., and Jamal Sowell, the former Secretary of Commerce for Florida.
Members of the veteran and military advocacy community also threw their weight behind Green’s bid. Endorsements came from Félix Rodríguez, a retired U.S. Army and CIA operative; retired U.S. Navy SEAL and highly decorated combat veteran LT Mark Donald; Kris Hager, Chairman of Goldstar Fathers of Florida; and Dr. Justin Valez-Hagan, founder of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce.
A graduate of Vero Beach High School, Green holds degrees from American University, Florida State University, and George Washington University. In 2018, he co-founded the War Veterans Fund, a political action committee dedicated to electing military veterans to federal office.
Florida’s 9th Congressional District encompasses parts of the regions Green is targeting with his local endorsements, as candidates vie for the seat ahead of the upcoming primary elections.