WMNF: Florida’s 16th District candidates outline priorities ahead of election
By Daria Mironova
Sign outside early vote location in West Tampa. By Seán Kinane / WMNF News (October 2012).
Florida’s 16th Congressional District now includes Manatee, Hardee, and DeSoto counties, plus parts of Sarasota and Pinellas. These areas blend coastal cities, growing suburbs, and rural farmland.
Following these changes, long-serving Congress member Vern Buchanan is stepping aside after representing Florida’s 16th Congressional District since 2013. His retirement has set off a competitive race to replace him. At a political event in Brandon, voters heard from candidates eager to succeed Buchanan.
Democratic candidate
Democrat Jon Harris and independent candidate Mark Davis both called for greater government accountability. But they offered very different visions for achieving it.
Harris, a military veteran and senior information security advisor, said he entered the race to focus on solving concrete problems. He emphasized that accountability, where elected leaders must answer for their actions, takes priority over affordability.
“I wanted to have a more active role in determining how to fix the problem,” Harris said. “So instead of just complaining about it, be a part of the solution.”
Harris said military service prepared him to work with diverse viewpoints. He served in combat zones and spent 20 years with multiple political parties, learning to build relationships and accomplish goals.
He also highlighted the district’s diversity. Urban communities and rural farming areas often have different needs. Harris said a representative must serve all parts of the district equally.
Jon Harris, originally from Jacksonville, faces Tamika Lyles, Glenn Pearson, and Jan Schneider in the August 18 Democratic primary. The winner advances to the general election in November.
Independent candidate
Another candidate in attendance was Mark Davis. He served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and spent 16 years in corporate America. Davis said those experiences shaped his views on government accountability and transparency.
“The first thing is accountability,” Davis said. “On day one, we have to have accountability.”
Davis criticized tariffs and urged rebuilding relationships with trade partners. He also said Congress should support single-payer healthcare and reduce everyday expenses for consumers.
As part of his commitment to accountability, Davis said he would take a significantly lower salary than members of Congress typically receive.
“I won’t even accept the full salary of a congressional candidate or a congressional congressperson; they’d make $174,000,” Davis said. “I’m going to take whatever the average salary of the Manatee teacher is.”
The average starting salary for a teacher in Manatee County is $49,210.
He also pledged to keep voters updated on major votes and decisions. Mark Davis is running in the general election for U.S. House.
Other candidates include Republicans Sydney Gruters, Edward Pope, and Jason Speir, and Democrats Jan Schneider, Kelly Kirschner, Tamika Lyles, and Glenn Pearson.