Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL), Florida's longest-serving elected official, has announced his retirement.
"After much prayerful consideration and discussion with my beloved wife Sandy, I have decided not to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives," Rep. Webster said in a presser released last week. "It has been an honor and privilege to represent my beloved state in the U.S. House of Representatives. I've never taken for granted my responsibility to Florida's hardworking taxpayers and families to advance common-sense reforms and principled policy. The time has come to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more precious time with my wife, children, and 24 grandchildren."
First elected to Congress in 2011, Rep. Webster made lowering taxes, cutting business regulations, improving infrastructure, and supporting veterans key areas of legislative focus.
"To have been part of the development and passage of some of the most significant legislation in our time is something I will forever treasure," the Florida congressman continued.
But Webster vows not to finish his term quietly, saying, "There is much work left to do before this Congress closes and I am fully focused on finishing strong," with an emphasis on infrastructure and America's continued dominance in space exploration and technological innovation.
This makes Webster the third Florida congressman to retire at the end of 2026, following Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL), who announced in mid-January that he would not seek reelection.
At the end of January, Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) similarly announced his own retirement.
So, who is looking to fill the outgoing Webster's seat?
According to Ballotpedia, current contenders among the Republicans include Tim Wilkins, Mike Wilnau, Steve Farley, and Ivette Palomo, while the Democrats are putting up Dan Williams, Barbie Harden Hall, Shawn Bettis, and Royal Webster (no relation to Daniel).
Notably, the 11th congressional district has remained largely in the same area, even if it has grown smaller, thanks to the recent redistricting.
