Vern Buchanan

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Vernon “Vern” Buchanan is a Republican U.S. Representative from Florida. He has served in Congress since 2007, first representing Florida’s 13th District and, after redistricting, the 16th District from 2013 to the present. In January 2026, he announced he would not seek re-election.

Early life and education
Buchanan was born on May 8, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in nearby Inkster. He joined the Michigan Air National Guard after high school and served from 1969 to 1975. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleary University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit.

Business career
Before entering Congress, Buchanan ran a long career in business. He helped build American Speedy Printing, growing it into a large franchised company. He later owned several car dealerships in Florida and ran other business ventures, including reinsurance companies and real estate investments. His wealth has been widely discussed, and he has been among the wealthier members of Congress.

Political career
Buchanan won his first term in 2006 in a very close race that required a recount. He was reelected in subsequent cycles and has focused on issues involving taxes, trade, and the economy. He has served on the House Ways and Means Committee, which deals with tax policy, international trade, health care, and Social Security. He helped push trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea and supported various bills to help small businesses and veterans.

In 2022, after redistricting, his district changed, and he faced a strong primary challenge from Eddie Speir, which he won. He has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Buchanan’s long congressional tenure includes several efforts on consumer protections, small business support, and veterans’ issues, including helping secure the construction of the Sarasota National Cemetery and funding for other veterans’ programs.

Ethics and investigations
Buchanan has faced multiple ethics and campaign-finance inquiries over the years. By 2016, the House Ethics Committee found insufficient evidence to conclude he knowingly engaged in improper reimbursements or directed testimony before the FEC. The Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission also closed their inquiries without charges. Overall, these probes did not result in formal actions against him.

Policy positions and actions
- Tax and economy: Buchanan supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, citing benefits for real estate and business owners. He has backed efforts to reduce regulations on small businesses and to lower certain corporate taxes.
- Trade and foreign policy: He supported free trade agreements and advocated policies to support American manufacturers and workers.
- Gun policy: He sees himself as a strong defender of the Second Amendment and has generally supported gun rights, earning a mixed rating from gun-rights groups over time. He supported some gun-safety measures after major shootings but also voted for gun-rights legislation.
- Animal protection: Buchanan has taken the lead on animal protection issues, helping pass laws banning dog and cat meat trade and creating penalties for animal cruelty.
- Other: He has supported border security measures, has backed veterans’ initiatives, and has taken positions on agricultural and energy issues that affect Florida.

Personal life
Buchanan lives on Longboat Key, Florida, with his wife, Sandy. They have two sons, including James, who was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. He is a Baptist. In 2021, he announced he tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.

Overall, Buchanan is known as a businessman-turned-politician who has spent two decades in Congress, focusing on tax policy, trade, veterans’ issues, and animal protection, while maintaining a strong stance on gun rights.