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NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)August 13, 2026Hillsborough County

Nine candidates compete for Florida's 16th Congressional District seat following Vern Buchanan's retirement

Photo: WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)

Nine candidates have filed to run for the 16th District seat in the upcoming primary election following the retirement of long-serving Representative Vern Buchanan. The field includes three Republicans, five Democrats, and one candidate with no party affiliation.

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Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)

Why It Matters

Residents of the 16th District will elect a new representative to replace a 20-year , which will change the district's federal legislative representation.

Key Facts

  • Representative Vern Buchanan is retiring after 20 years in Congress.
  • Nine candidates have filed to run for the 16th District seat.
  • The candidate field consists of three Republicans, five Democrats, and one candidate with no party affiliation.
  • The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday.

Who's Mentioned

PersonVern Buchanan“Retiring Representative of the 16th District after 20 years.”location16th District“The congressional district where the election is taking place.”