Vern Buchanan

Congressman Vern Buchanan has announced his retirement after 20 years representing Florida in the U.S. House.

Buchanan, a Republican, cited a desire to "pass the torch" and begin a new chapter as his reason for leaving.

He is one of 36 House Republicans not seeking reelection ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Manatee County) has announced his retirement from Congress after 20 years in office.

Buchanan, 74, was first elected in 2006 and has represented Florida’s 13th and 16th Congressional Districts, which have weaved through Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties through redistricting.

​“I came to Congress to solve problems, to fight for working families, and to help ensure this country remains a place where opportunity is available to everyone willing to work for it,” Buchanan said in a statement. “After 20 years of service, I believe it’s the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life.”

​A resident of Longboat Key, Buchanan is the vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, and a member of the Joint Committee on Taxation. He has served under four presidents and six speakers of the House.

Buchanan joins a cohort of 36 fellow House Republicans to eschewed another reelection campaign, as the midterm elections are likely to see a backlash against President Trump. A recent Economist/YouGov poll found that Democrats have a 4‑point lead over Republicans in the race to retake the House of Representatives in 2026. However, Buchanan told USA Today the threat of being in the minority didn’t factor into his decision to retire.

“The timing’s just right,” he said. He also spoke about working with Democrats to pass legislation.

“I don’t like the harsh partisanship stuff that’s going on today or yesterday,” Buchanan said, adding, “I’ve had a lot of these bills; I can’t do them without the Democrats. We got to do them together. Some people don’t like to hear that, but that’s the businessman in me for 30 years. I’m interested in the results.”

Buchanan’s district is listed as “Solid Republican” by the Cook Political Report, so the primary election to choose his de facto replacement will likely be a competitive and packed one. No other Republican has yet filed in the race.

Buchanan is one of the wealthiest members of Congress, with an estimated net worth of $261.79 million.

Vern’s son, James Buchanan, is a Florida state representative currently running for the state Senate. Buchanan played down the idea of his son running to succeed him, saying James is “very happy with what he’s doing” and has “a great opportunity to be probably the next state senator from this region.”

Zac Anderson covers the White House for USA Today. Email him at [email protected]

Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at [email protected] or [email protected]