Republican Senate President Ben Albritton, along with Republican Sens. Jim Boyd and Jay Trumbull, announced they are endorsing Rep. James Buchanan (R-Sarasota) in his State Senate District 22 bid in a joint statement this week.
“As a father of three young children, James is personally invested in Florida's future and committed to keeping our communities safe and our economy strong. He has been a consistent voice for the most vulnerable Floridians with developmental disabilities and their families," they lawmakers said. "We are proud to endorse James Buchanan for the Florida Senate and look forward to welcoming his brand of proven, results-driven leadership to the Chamber next Fall.”
Rep. Buchanan is looking to succeed Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. Sen. Gruters, who endorsed Buchanan to replace him, was recently named chair of the Republican National Committee at the GOP's summer meeting last month.
The announcement is more good news for Buchanan, with Albritton as Senate leader and Sen. Boyd expected to follow for the 2026-28 legislative term.
Buchanan is currently the only candidate running in the race. SD 22 covers Sarasota County and part of Manatee County on the southwest side of Florida.
The area of Sarasota County is part of House District 74, which Buchanan currently represents. Buchanan won the district by 29 points over Democrat Nancy Simpson in 2022, arguably giving him some added favoritism and familiarity in his similar Senate district race.
Adding to the good news, Buchanan could be a lock for the seat pending any added competition. Gruters won the seat without a general election after beating his Republican primary opponent by nearly 34 points.
Both Sarasota and Manatee counties also overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump with around 60% of the vote over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The Senate District 22 race is set for Nov. 3, 2026.
