Candidate Profile: U.S. Representative from Florida: Vern Buchanan

Candidate: Vern Buchanan (Incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Age: 61

Hometown: Detroit, Mich.

Residence: Longboat Key

Occupation: Automobile dealer and insurance executive 

Education: B.A. in Business Administration, Cleary University; Master’s in Business Administration, University of Detroit 

As Congressman for Florida’s 13th congressional district, newly reorganized into District 16, Vern Buchanan hopes to continue representing the state while tackling priorities like small business growth, pill mills and his balanced budget bill.

Campaigning against Democrat candidate Keith Fitzgerald, Buchanan also serves the Trade and Health subdivisions of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee, where he is the only Florida legislator. Members have authority over tax policy, international trade, health care and the Social Security system.

Buchanan previously participated on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Small Business Committee. Within the Small Business Committee, he additionally became Ranking Member of the Finance and Tax subcommittee.

Other leadership ranks Buchanan has held include chairing the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, becoming inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame and being a former member of the U.S. Chamber Board.

A 30-year businessman himself, Buchanan believes tax incentives providing assistance and lessening harmful regulations to entrepreneurs and small businesses are crucial in order to achieve economic growth. He is the chairman of the Friends of Panama Caucus and supports U.S. tax code reform.

Buchanan served in the Air National Guard for six years before attending college and has two sons with his wife Sandy. He is involved with the community through the Boys and Girls Club, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes, American Heart Walk, Mote Marine Laboratory and Ringling Museum of Art, among others. Click here to review Congressman Buchanan's voting record on key legislation.