Florida Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a two decade run representing Florida’s 16th Congressional District.

Buchanan, 74, was first elected to Congress in 2006 and has since become one of the state’s most senior House Republicans. During his tenure, he built a reputation as a reliable conservative vote, particularly on tax policy, business issues, and fiscal matters, and rose to hold international trade and economic leadership roles within the House.

Florida’s 16th District, which covers parts of Sarasota and Manatee counties, is considered a safe Republican seat. Buchanan routinely won reelection by wide margins, and his decision opens the door to what is likely to be a crowded GOP primary in 2026, with little risk of the seat flipping to Democrats in the general election.

Buchanan’s retirement marks the departure of another long serving House Republican and adds to the growing list of open seats ahead of the 2026 cycle, as generational turnover continues within the GOP conference.