Three candidates vie to replace retiring Rep. Vern Buchanan in Florida's 16th District
The race features a Democrat with local political experience, a Republican backed by President Trump, and an independent small business owner.
By Olivia Grant ·
Congressman Vern Buchanan will step down at the end of his term, ending a 20-year tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Three individuals are now competing to represent Florida's 16th Congressional District.
Democrat Kelly Kirschner is a third-generation Floridian who previously served in the Peace Corps. His campaign website notes that he helped Mayan farming families increase their household income during that service. He also held a seat on the Sarasota City Commission and served one term as mayor.
At a campaign event in Bradenton, Kirschner met with members of the Latino community. He highlighted his fluency in Spanish and his time living in Central America. His stated priorities include healthcare, lowering the cost of living, protecting the Gulf Coast, and supporting veterans. He also wants to end what he describes as "wars of choice."
Kirschner cited statistics on household finances to support his platform. "48% of the population living paycheck to paycheck, we have to address that," he said. He argued the nation needs to exit the conflict in Iran and create affordable healthcare for all residents.
Republican candidate Sydney Gruters is the wife of RNC Chair Joe Gruters. She previously worked for Congressman Greg Steube in 2018 and has more than a decade of experience in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump has endorsed her bid. Her campaign lists cost of living, inflation, border security, and housing costs as key issues.
Gruters spoke at a rally in Lakeland for Vice President JD Vance in October. "No matter where we go, we hear the same thing, the residents of this district and in Florida want to keep Florida safe, affordable and free," she said. Her campaign did not respond to an interview request before the deadline.
Independent candidate Mark Davis is also running for the seat. He is a veteran and small business owner, according to his campaign website. The three-way race will determine who succeeds Buchanan in the 16th District.
Source: ABC Action News
