Florida GOP Candidate Frames Iran Conflict as Resolution, Not Escalation

Florida GOP congressional candidate Dan Green has framed the military confrontation with Iran not as the beginning of a new war, but as the long-overdue resolution of a conflict that dates back to 1979. Green, a Navy veteran running in Florida's 9th Congressional District, believes America is finally settling decades of strife with Tehran.

"I think one thing to know about Iran is that they've been at war with us since the 1970s, when they seized our embassy in Tehran and they took our Americans hostage," Green said. "So to me, this is about ending a long war, not starting a war."

He cited instances such as the 1980s Marine barracks bombing and the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, as well as his own military tours in Iraq, where he stated Iranians were responsible for killing American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

"So, the question is, what's the butcher's bill you're willing to tolerate of dead Americans?" Green asked. "And we also know they plotted to kill and assassinate our president. So, to me, this has been a long time coming, but I think what we really need to focus on is how do we get a successful termination of this conflict and stability back in the Middle East?"

Green is contesting the Orlando-based suburban district against incumbent Democrat Rep. Darren Soto. The district voted for former President Donald Trump in 2024, but Green acknowledges that inflation and energy prices remain key concerns for voters. He expressed confidence in the Republican platform's appeal compared to the Democratic alternative.

"I think the Democrats have a huge problem right now. I don't think they know what they're really about," Green stated. "As you know, they have a democratic socialist wing that is rising in power throughout their party, and a lot of moderate members are finding they have to make peace with that, or even liberal members as well."

He further criticized the rising influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party, suggesting their ideology aims to undermine the Constitution by advocating for the abolition of the U.S. Senate and the implementation of what he described as "woke ideology, transgender ideology, and higher taxes."

Green emphasized that while kitchen-table economic issues like grocery and gas prices resonate with voters across all backgrounds, the rule of law is a foundational aspect of the American republic. "At the end of the day, we're either a nation of laws or we aren't. And so we need to do what's required to make sure the law is enforced."

Describing the ninth district as having a conservative bent, Green believes this characteristic will help his campaign overcome the advantages of incumbency. He pointed to his opponent's voting record on economic issues, citing Soto's votes against eliminating taxes on Social Security, overtime pay, and tips. Green argued these votes are misaligned with the district's needs, especially concerning affordability.

"He has voted against eliminating taxes on Social Security. He's voted against eliminating taxes [on] overtime. He's voted against eliminating tax on tips," Green said. "To me, when you have the sort of affordability issue right now, those are not the right votes to take for this district. His values are also not aligned with our voters, as well."

Green also criticized Soto's stance on transgender care and his alleged failure to address insider trading. He reiterated his belief that voting for Soto is effectively a vote for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which he contends is not aligned with the district's constituents.

"You know, he voted to not prohibit transgender care. He's also not done anything to stop insider trading for 10 years … and also, frankly, the democratic socialists are taking over the Democratic Party. You know, a vote for him is a vote for them, and I think that's not what this district wants."