Who Is Running in Florida Congressional District 16th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Vernon Buchanan
(Incumbent)Economy
HighVernon Buchanan prioritizes job creation and economic growth, advocating for tax cuts and trade agreements. He supports reducing regulations on businesses, aiming to make the tax system simpler and fairer to spur economic growth and put money back in taxpayers' pockets. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Trade Subcommittee, he is committed to expanding trade and investment opportunities to create jobs. He has voted on bills such as HR 6644 to increase housing supply and HR 3617 to secure America's critical mineral supply.
Immigration
HighVernon Buchanan advocates against amnesty, emphasizing the need to secure the border and enforce existing immigration laws. He states that granting amnesty would be an affront to those who follow legal immigration processes. In 2025, he filed the "Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act" to ensure the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants with gang affiliations, asserting that such individuals have no place in the country.
Healthcare
HighVernon Buchanan supports bipartisan health care reforms aimed at lowering costs and increasing transparency. He voted to pass the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. Buchanan states that lowering costs and increasing transparency are essential for a healthcare system that works for patients, and he champions preventative measures to address rising healthcare expenditures.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Vernon Buchanan |
|---|---|
| Economy | Vernon Buchanan prioritizes job creation and economic growth, advocating for tax cuts and trade agreements. He supports reducing regulations on businesses, aiming to make the tax system simpler and fairer to spur economic growth and put money back in taxpayers' pockets. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Trade Subcommittee, he is committed to expanding trade and investment opportunities to create jobs. He has voted on bills such as HR 6644 to increase housing supply and HR 3617 to secure America's critical mineral supply. High |
| Immigration | Vernon Buchanan advocates against amnesty, emphasizing the need to secure the border and enforce existing immigration laws. He states that granting amnesty would be an affront to those who follow legal immigration processes. In 2025, he filed the "Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act" to ensure the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants with gang affiliations, asserting that such individuals have no place in the country. High |
| Healthcare | Vernon Buchanan supports bipartisan health care reforms aimed at lowering costs and increasing transparency. He voted to pass the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. Buchanan states that lowering costs and increasing transparency are essential for a healthcare system that works for patients, and he champions preventative measures to address rising healthcare expenditures. High |
| Climate & Energy | Vernon Buchanan voted 'Yea' on HR 261, a bill that would amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prevent the Secretary of Commerce from prohibiting or requiring permits for undersea fiber optic cables if already authorized by a federal or state agency. He also voted 'Yea' on HR 3617, the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act, which aims to increase the domestic supply of critical minerals. Low |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Foreign Policy | Vernon Buchanan supports strengthening U.S. supply chains and national security by securing critical minerals. He applauded new bilateral frameworks and championed a requirement in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. He voted "Yea" on the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act and the PROTECT Taiwan Act, demonstrating a stance against Chinese threats. Additionally, he supports stronger border security and fair trade agreements like the USMCA to open global markets. High |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Vernon Buchanan voted against a 2022 Senate gun control bill, stating it infringed upon Second Amendment rights and lacked Fifth Amendment due process protections. He argued the bill should have focused on school security, police training, and mental health instead. In contrast, Buchanan supported H.R. 8 in 2019, which aimed to expand universal background checks to include internet and gun show sales. He identifies as a strong defender of the Second Amendment and a Life Member of the NRA. High |
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