Ten-term U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida’s 16th district announced on February 2, 2026, that he will retire at the conclusion of his current term after two decades in office.
In a statement posted to his official X account, Buchanan wrote: “Ten-term U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida District 16 announced today that he will retire at the conclusion of his current term after 20 years.” (February 2, 2026). The announcement was accompanied by a link to an article from the Observer Group providing further details.
Later the same day, Buchanan addressed veteran health care in another post: “Veterans deserve health care that focuses on prevention, not just treatment. Proud to introduce the bipartisan Produce Prescription for Veterans Act with @SenatorDurbin and @chelliepingree to put the food is medicine approach to work for veterans.” (February 2, 2026).
He also commented on new funding aimed at addiction recovery efforts: “Big step for prevention and recovery. @SecKennedy announces $100M for the STREETS Initiative expanding evidence-based treatment, mental health care and recovery housing. This is how we tackle addiction and restore communities.” (February 2, 2026).
Vern Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th congressional district since replacing Katherine Harris in Congress in 2007. Before his tenure in Washington D.C., he served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1951 and currently residing in Sarasota, Buchanan graduated from Cleary University with a bachelor’s degree before earning another degree from the University of Detroit Mercy.
