This week, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., hosted an event with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Buchanan announced the fundraiser–the first major one for the new speaker–brought in more than $1.4 million from almost 200 guests. The event was held at Buchanan’s home in Longboat Key.
“While addressing the crowd, Speaker Johnson stressed the importance of securing the border, reducing the deficit, and making sure Israel has the support it needs to defend itself against Hamas terrorists. He specifically thanked Buchanan, one of Congress’ most prolific fundraisers and the vice chair of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee, for welcoming him and his wife Kelly to the Sunshine State,” Buchanan’s office noted.
“Vern Buchanan doesn’t need to serve in Congress but he does it because he has the right heart, a servant’s heart,” Johnson said. “This is exactly what the Founders envisioned, coming to serve in Congress in a patriotic manner like Vern.”
“It has been a challenge these past couple months but Speaker Mike Johnson is just the leader we need to get our country back on track. We are honored that he chose Southwest Florida as his first stop as we work to expand the House majority,” said Buchanan who also toured Sarasota Bradenton International Airport with Johnson on Monday.
More than 10 House members attended the event, including Florida Republican U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack, Neal Dunn, Byron Donalds, Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna, Maria Elvira Salazar and Greg Steube.
First elected to Congress in 2006, Buchanan raised more than $4 million for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) in the last election cycle.