Florida 16th District: Three candidates race to fill Buchanan's seat

Florida's 16th Congressional District faces a three-way primary for an open seat after incumbent Vern Buchanan announced his retirement. Buchanan, who has represented the district for 20 years, will vacate the House seat at the conclusion of the current term. The candidates include Democrat Kelly Kirschner, Republican Sydney Gruters, and independent Mark Davis.

Buchanan entered Congress in 2006 and served through five terms. His decision to step down sets the stage for a competitive election in a district that spans parts of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. The primary election will determine which candidates advance to the general election in November 2026.

Kelly Kirschner, a Democrat and third-generation Floridian, campaigns on issues of healthcare and cost of living. He previously served on the Sarasota City Commission and held the office of mayor. Kirschner also worked in the Peace Corps with Mayan farming families. At a campaign event in Bradenton, he addressed voters in the Latino community. "I’ve lived in Central America for over four years and I’m fluent in Spanish," Kirschner said. He stated that 48% of the population lives paycheck to paycheck and called for affordable healthcare and an exit from the Iran conflict.

Sydney Gruters, a Republican, runs as the wife of RNC Chair Joe Gruters. She has more than a decade of experience in Washington, D.C., including work for Congressman Greg Steube in 2018. Gruters received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. At a rally in Lakeland for Vice President JD Vance in October, she said residents want to keep Florida safe, affordable, and free. Her campaign website lists cost of living, inflation, border security, and housing costs as top priorities. The Gruters campaign did not respond to an interview request before the reporting deadline.

Mark Davis runs without party affiliation. His campaign website identifies him as a veteran and small business owner. He competes directly against the partisan candidates for a share of the district's vote. The three candidates will appear on the ballot for the upcoming primary election.

The primary election is scheduled for August 18, 2026. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Buchanan will serve until January 3, 2027, when the next Congress convenes. The winner of the general election will be sworn in at that time.