Another Republican Quits as Party Majority Hangs by a Thread Before November Midterms

Rep. Vern Buchanan announced on Tuesday that he will retire from Congress after 20 years representing Southwest Florida. The move ends a long run on the House Ways and Means Committee and comes as the Republican party prepares for a rough midterm fight this fall.

In a news release, Buchanan said he was stepping away to “pass the torch” and begin a new chapter.

“Serving the people of Southwest Florida has been the honor of my lifetime,” Buchanan said. “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 was first elected to the House in 2006 and has represented both the 13th and the 16th districts as lines changed. He has been vice chair of the tax writing panel and led the committee’s Health Subcommittee on key Medicare and senior care issues.

He said he will finish out his current term and leave when the new Congress opens in January of next year. That timing means his district will have time for a normal election cycle rather than a special contest.

Buchanan’s departure adds to a steady stream of Republican exits that has reshaped the political math in Washington. The death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa earlier this month and other recent departures left House Republicans with a slim working majority of 218 to 213.

The small margin has changed how the majority runs the House. Every absence now matters more and every retirement can force the party to defend more seats than usual. News outlets and party strategists say that is why many Republican lawmakers are taking a long look at their own careers.

Local leaders and political observers in Florida called Buchanan a steady presence who focused on business issues and senior care. Supporters praised his work on local projects and on the PACT Act that addresses veterans health and other related measures.

Critics pointed to moments of controversy during his career and noted that his district has become more contested at times. Still, most analysts say the seat is likely to remain in Republican hands given the voting patterns of the area.

For Republicans, the news is a reminder that the party faces both internal churn and a tough national atmosphere. Some members are leaving by choice. Others are moving to run for different offices. Either way, the churn raises the stakes for party leaders as they plan for November.

Buchanan’s statement stuck to grateful notes and to a familiar line about public service.

If history is any guide, his goodbye will start a scramble for endorsements and donors. The July and August campaign grind will be coming sooner than anyone wants to admit.

Featured image via YouTube screengrab