Jacob Ogles
State Rep. James Buchanan will run next year to succeed state Sen. Joe Gruters.
“I’m running for the Florida Senate to defend our constitutional principles, to continue to push back against the radical and ridiculous vision of left-wing activists who seek to change our great state, and to be a champion for common sense and limited conservative government that continues to make Florida the greatest state in the Union,” Buchanan said.
The Sarasota Republican is the first to file paperwork to run in Senate District 22 in the 2026 election cycle.
Buchanan first won election to the Florida House in 2018. In November, he won election to a fourth term.
He touted legislative successes by Republicans in the House over the last eight years as the GOP has grown a supermajority to record levels. He also touted local wins for the Sarasota area’s environment and infrastructure.
“Florida’s success as a nationwide, conservative beacon of economic prosperity, individual freedom, and parental empowerment is a result of state leaders willing to brave the critics and do what is right. Over my time in the Florida House of Representatives, I’ve been honored to be a part of this conservative fight by being a leader on the issues most important to Sarasotans,” Buchanan said.
“The result of our work has turned Florida into a state that leads the nation in fiscal health, education reform, public safety and veteran services, just to name a few. Now, with Florida taking a leading role on the national stage, we need leaders in Tallahassee who are ready to work alongside Governor (Ron) DeSantis and President (Donald) Trump to deliver even greater security and prosperity for our state.”
With Gruters unable to run for re-election because of term limits, the open seat could still draw more candidates into the race. Gruters is running for Chief Financial Officer.
Buchanan also cannot seek another term in the House because of term limits. He currently chairs the House Commerce Committee, and is part of Speaker Daniel Perez’s leadership team.
Of note, Buchanan is also the son of longtime U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, and has long been considered a potential candidate for Congress when a seat opens.
A number of other prospective candidates could get into the race. State Rep. Fiona McFarland, a Sarasota Republican, said she has not made a decision whether to run.
“I’m focused on the Legislative Session ahead and any announcement will be made at the appropriate time.”
Other rumored candidates include Sarasota County Commissioners Ron Cutsinger and Mark Smith and Venice Mayor Nick Pachota.
Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder said he plans to run for re-election in 2026 instead.
“That’s very flattering that my name has perhaps come up for that seat,” Neunder said. “However, I intend to run again for my Commission seat.”
Gruters’ seat is open in 2026, but Sarasota political leaders note current Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis already submitted a resignation effective April 1 in order to run for Congress. Gov. Ron DeSantis must appoint a replacement, and Gruters has expressed interest, so the Senate seat could open sooner than expected.
An opening in a legislative seat would prompt a Special Election, so that prospect gives candidates interested in the Senate seat incentive to announce quickly.
