Only days after Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel quit, citing Trump’s hardline immigration policies, another Republican is stepping away from Congress.
Rep. Vern Buchanan, the longest-serving Republican from Southwest Florida, announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of his current term.
“Serving the people of Southwest Florida has been the honor of my lifetime,” Buchanan said in a statement. “Every achievement worth doing began with listening to my constituents and fighting for their priorities. 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. 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 spent nearly 20 years in Congress and helped pass 51 bills and initiatives signed into law by four presidents — George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump. His work covered trade, taxes, and other major issues. He also served on important committees, including the Joint Committee on Taxation.
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In leadership roles, Buchanan was Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee and now chairs the Health Subcommittee. His work included pushing for expanded health care access for veterans and seniors, protecting Medicare, and lowering prescription drug costs.
Some of his most notable bipartisan efforts included laws to ban animal cruelty nationwide and to protect Florida’s natural resources. He also championed a national veteran ID card and helped secure tax relief for Florida citrus growers.
Buchanan’s roots are humble. He grew up in Inkster, Michigan, one of six children in a small home. His father worked long hours as a school bus driver and factory worker. Buchanan served in the Air National Guard and became the first in his family to earn a college degree. Together with his wife, Sandy, he built a business that created thousands of jobs.
The Buchanans also founded The Buchanan Foundation, now recognized as a major philanthropic organization in Southwest Florida. The couple are proud grandparents to ten grandchildren — a personal reminder, Buchanan has said, of why long-term stewardship and service matter so deeply.
Buchanan’s exit leaves the GOP with one more open seat to defend in a midterm cycle already expected to be difficult. Party operatives in Florida and nationwide are now searching for new candidates who can hold ground and appeal to a divided voter base.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
