WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican who has represented Florida’s 16th Congressional District for two decades, announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of his current term.
Buchanan, 74, has served in Congress since 2007 and is currently vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees federal tax, trade and health policy. His retirement will end his tenure as the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“After 20 years of service, I believe it’s the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life,” Buchanan said in a statement.
During his time in Congress, Buchanan sponsored or supported dozens of legislative measures that became law under four presidential administrations, according to his office. His legislative record includes funding for a national veterans cemetery in Sarasota, participation in the development of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and work on the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Buchanan has also served in leadership roles on the Ways and Means Committee, including chairmanship of the Tax Subcommittee and membership on the Joint Committee on Taxation. More recently, he has chaired the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, where he has worked on issues related to Medicare, veterans’ health care and prescription drug costs.
Beyond economic and health policy, Buchanan has supported legislation related to animal welfare and environmental protection. He was a co-sponsor of federal legislation banning animal cruelty and torture, signed into law in 2019, and has backed efforts addressing water quality, red tide and wildlife protection in Florida. His broader legislative portfolio has included initiatives related to veterans’ services, small business support, military readiness and agricultural policy.
Buchanan previously served as co-chair of the Florida Congressional Delegation, a role focused on coordinating federal priorities for the state’s lawmakers.
Before entering Congress, Buchanan was a business executive and served in the Air National Guard. He has also held leadership roles in state and national business organizations and has been involved in philanthropic efforts in Southwest Florida.
His retirement is expected to set off a competitive race for Florida’s 16th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. Buchanan did not announce plans for his next steps following his departure from Congress.
