WFLA News Channel 8: Democrats work to flip Rep. Buchanan’s seat after retirement announcement

BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) – Rep. Vern Buchanan previously announced he’s leaving after 20 years in Congress. The district covers all of Manatee County and a portion of Hillsborough County.

Democrats in the district have been monitoring the shift seen in other districts regarding Democratic overperformance. One of them is Glenn Pearson.

“All of these things that impact people here in Congressional District 16, on a daily basis, the solutions are not coming from republicans,” Pearson said.

Pearson is a former longtime news broadcaster who has a goal of slowing the Trump administration’s agenda.

“I’m running because I see what it is that they are doing when it comes to health care costs; they’re allowing it to explode. When it comes to insurance, when it comes to food,” Pearson said.

The expiration of the Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies, along with increased prices of some food items, are some ofthe affordability issues Pearson hopes to ease for families.

He is not alone in the race. Pearson must make it through the August primary against another candidate who has other ideas on how to reduce the cost of living. Jon Harris is also seeking support among voters.

“Your mortgages are sky high. That just goes to there not being enough inventory, enough homes. So, we want to find places to build affordable housing,” Harris said.

Harris is a U.S. Army Reserve warrant officer as well as a cybersecurity and information technology worker. 

“When we talk about insurance companies owning the pharmacies, owning the PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) who set the rates for drug prices, breaking up those companies so there’s more competition,” Harris said.

Jan Schneider, who is running again for the seat as a Democrat, has not yet responded to our email requests for comment.

So far, a Republican has not entered the race to replace Buchanan.

The Manatee Republican Party said it is confident voters will continue electing conservatives to represent the district.

The party leader also said he gives credit to Rep. Buchanan’s efforts for delivering results for nearly two decades in the area.