On January 27, 2026, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced he would not seek re-election to Florida's 16th Congressional District seat he has held since 2007. After nearly two decades representing Manatee and parts of Hillsborough County, Buchanan's retirement opens one of the most competitive congressional seats in the Tampa Bay region.
An open seat in a competitive district is a rare thing. Whoever wins this seat will have the opportunity to serve and shape policy for years — potentially decades. The stakes for District 16 voters are significant.
About Florida's 16th Congressional District
Florida's 16th Congressional District covers a significant portion of Manatee County and extends into parts of Hillsborough County. Major communities in the district include Bradenton, Riverview, Lakewood Ranch, Brandon, and Sun City Center. The district is home to a diverse and growing population: retirees who have relocated from the Northeast and Midwest, families drawn by the strong job market in the Tampa Bay region, veterans, small business owners, and a growing number of young professionals.
The district has leaned Republican in recent cycles, though it is competitive enough that candidate quality and turnout both matter. Vern Buchanan won his last election with 59.5% of the vote in 2024 — a comfortable margin that reflects the district's partisan lean, but also the advantages of incumbency that will not be available to the candidates seeking to replace him.
Who Is John Peters?
John Peters is a candidate for the Republican nomination in Florida's 16th Congressional District. He is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, border security, protecting Second Amendment rights, supporting veterans, and bringing accountability to Washington after decades of career politicians who have prioritized their own power over their constituents' needs.
Peters believes the 16th District deserves a representative who actually lives the values he campaigns on — one who will fight for term limits, refuse to become a career politician, and bring fresh energy to a seat that has too often been treated as a lifetime appointment.
The Primary Is August 18 — Here Is What Voters Need to Know
Florida's Republican primary for the 16th District seat will be held on August 18, 2026. The filing deadline is June 12, 2026. Florida is a closed primary state, meaning only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary. The general election is November 3, 2026.
For voters who want to participate in choosing Vern Buchanan's successor, now is the time to get engaged. Learn the candidates. Compare their positions. Check whether you are registered to vote — and if you need to register or update your party affiliation, the deadline to do so is 29 days before the primary.
To check your Manatee County voter registration: votemanatee.com
To check your Hillsborough County voter registration: votehillsborough.gov