My name is John Peters, and I am running for the United States Congress to represent Florida's 16th Congressional District. This decision did not come lightly. It came after years of watching Washington fail the people of Bradenton, Riverview, Lakewood Ranch, and every community in our district.
I am not a career politician. I am a businessman, a family man, and a Floridian who believes that our district deserves better representation in Washington. I have spent my career in the private sector, managing budgets, meeting payrolls, and making decisions with real consequences. That experience has shown me what is possible when leaders focus on results rather than politics.
Why Now?
Our district is at a crossroads. The communities I know and love — from the growing neighborhoods of Parrish and Lakewood Ranch to the established families in Brandon and Valrico — are facing challenges that demand serious leadership. Insurance costs are crushing homeowners. The cost of living is rising faster than wages. Our veterans are not getting the care they earned. And Washington seems more interested in scoring political points than solving problems.
I look at the families in Sun City Center who worked their whole lives and now worry about whether they can afford to stay in their homes because of skyrocketing insurance premiums. I talk to small business owners in Palmetto and Ellenton who are drowning in regulations. I meet young parents in Fish Hawk and Bloomingdale who are concerned about the quality of their children's education and whether they will be able to afford a home in the community where they grew up.
These are not Republican problems or Democrat problems. They are our problems, and they require leaders who are willing to work across the aisle to find real solutions.
What I Stand For
My campaign is built on two foundational reforms: term limits and a Balanced Budget Amendment. I believe these two changes would transform how Washington operates. Term limits would end the era of career politicians and bring fresh ideas and accountability to Congress. A balanced budget requirement would force the government to live within its means, just like every family in Manatee and Hillsborough counties has to do.
Beyond these structural reforms, I am committed to lowering insurance costs, supporting our veterans, strengthening education, and ensuring that the economic growth happening in communities like Lakewood Ranch and Riverview benefits everyone, not just those at the top.
A Campaign for Everyone
Whether you are a lifelong Republican, a registered Democrat, or an Independent who is tired of the partisan noise, this campaign is for you. I believe that roughly 85 to 90 percent of the issues we face are shared concerns where we can find common ground. I am asking for your trust, your voice, and your support as we work together to bring common-sense governance to Washington.
Florida's 16th District is a special place. Let us make sure it has the leadership it deserves.
Read more about my positions on term limits, the balanced budget amendment, and lowering insurance costs. You can also view my complete platform or support the campaign.