Republican James Buchanan, a Sarasota state representative, is running for Florida State Senate District 22 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Buchanan is term-limited in his House District 74 seat and is running to succeed Sen. Joe Gruters, who is also term-limited, according to Florida Politics.

Buchanan won the Republican primary on Aug. 18, 2026, receiving 77.93% of the vote (51,257 votes) against Vic Rohe, according to WFLA. He faces Democrat Lew Wasserman and Martin Hyde, who has no party preference, in a three-candidate general election, according to BallotReady election data. BallotReady lists Buchanan as certified for the ballot.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Residence: Sarasota, Florida
  • Birthplace: Michigan; moved to Florida in 1992
  • Family: Son of U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, Florida State University (2004); master of business administration in management, international business, and advanced finance, University of South Florida (2009)
  • Athletics: Played football at Florida State University under coach Bobby Bowden

Experience and public service

Buchanan has served as state representative for House District 74 since 2018, according to BallotReady. In the Florida House, he chairs the Commerce Committee and serves on the Budget Committee, according to his Florida House page.

Before entering public office, Buchanan worked as a real estate agent and broker beginning in 2006, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

Buchanan lists the following priorities on his campaign website:

  • Economy: Fight for small business
  • Taxes and budget: Keep taxes low
  • Environment and energy: Preserve water quality
  • Public safety: Support first responders

Endorsements

Buchanan has received endorsements from the following, according to the sources listed:

  • Joe Gruters, Florida state senator, according to Florida Politics
  • Associated Industries of Florida, according to BallotReady
  • NFIB in Florida, according to BallotReady
  • Florida Chamber of Commerce, according to BallotReady