Nine Candidates Seek Open U.S. House District 16 Seat in Florida
Voters across Florida’s newly redrawn 16th Congressional District will choose among candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties, along with a candidate with no party affiliation, in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. Under the congressional map approved in 2026, District 16 includes all of Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee counties, along with portions of Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. The expanded district stretches from part of St. Petersburg and the Gulf Coast east into rural Central Florida.
The field includes nine qualified candidates:
Mark Davis (No Party Affiliation) is a Parrish resident, U.S. Air Force veteran, small business owner and former corporate retail executive. According to his campaign, he served eight years in the Air Force before spending 16 years in corporate management and is running as an independent candidate.
Sydney Gruters (Republican) serves as executive director of the New College of Florida Foundation. She is the wife of Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters and entered the race following Buchanan’s retirement announcement.
Jon Harris (Democrat) is an attorney and Democratic candidate seeking the congressional seat. Harris has campaigned on expanding access to affordable health care, protecting voting rights and addressing the cost of living, according to campaign information.
Kelly Kirschner (Democrat) is an attorney and former Tampa City Council member. He has previously worked in municipal government and has focused his campaign on government accountability, economic opportunity and environmental protection.
Tamika Lyles (Democrat) is a businesswoman and community advocate from Central Florida. Her campaign has emphasized economic opportunity, education, workforce development and public safety.
Glenn Pearson (Democrat) is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and former law enforcement officer. His campaign highlights military service, public safety and veterans’ issues as key priorities.
Ed Pope (Republican) is a businessman and U.S. Navy veteran. Pope has previously served in leadership roles within the private sector and is campaigning on fiscal responsibility, border security and support for military veterans.
Jan Schneider (Democrat) is an educator and community volunteer. Her campaign has focused on protecting Social Security and Medicare, expanding access to health care and investing in public education.
Eddie Speir (Republican) is a Bradenton businessman and former trustee of New College of Florida. He previously sought the District 16 congressional seat in 2024 and returned to the race for the open seat in 2026.
Candidates from each major party will first compete in Florida’s Aug. 18 primary election. The winners of the Republican and Democratic primaries, along with qualified candidates from other parties or with no party affiliation, will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.