Record Early Wave of House Retirements Grows as Senior GOP Tax Writer Vern Buchanan Joins 2026 Exodus
An unprecedented early wave of House retirements has grown to more than 10% of seats as Rep. Vern Buchanan announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, becoming the 28th House Republican to step down. The 20-year Florida incumbent — vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of its Health Subcommittee — is expected to help shape a second GOP reconciliation package before leaving; Cook Political Report rates his southwest Florida seat as solidly Republican, so his exit is unlikely to flip the district but removes an experienced GOP tax writer as Republicans fight to hold a razor-thin majority.
📌 Key Facts
- Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), a 20-year incumbent, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026; he is 74 years old.
- Buchanan is vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of its Health Subcommittee, making him a senior GOP tax writer central to tax and health policy.
- He is expected to play a key role in shaping a second GOP reconciliation package (referred to as a "big, beautiful bill") before he departs.
- Buchanan is the 28th House Republican to forgo reelection this term, adding to an early, record wave of retirements that has put more than 10% of House seats in play.
- Cook Political Report rates his southwest Florida district as solidly Republican, so his retirement is unlikely to flip the seat.
- Despite the district's partisan lean, his departure removes an experienced GOP tax-writer at a time when Republicans are fighting to hold a razor-thin House majority, potentially affecting policy and leadership continuity.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
January 27, 2026
4:21 PM
Florida GOP Rep Vern Buchanan to retire, adding to wave of House exits
New information:
- Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., a 20-year incumbent and vice chair of House Ways and Means, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 at age 74.
- Buchanan is the 28th House Republican to forgo reelection this term, adding to the previously reported wave of exits that already put more than 10% of seats in play.
- The article notes Buchanan’s central role on tax and health policy—vice chair of Ways and Means and chair of its Health Subcommittee—and that he is expected to play a key role in shaping a second GOP reconciliation package ('big, beautiful bill') before he departs.
- Cook Political Report rates his southwest Florida district as solidly Republican, so his retirement is unlikely to flip the seat but removes an experienced GOP tax-writer as Republicans fight to hold a razor-thin majority.
January 17, 2026