WASHINGTON (WPEC) — President Donald Trump-endorsed Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), 74, announced Tuesday that he will retire from Congress after two decades in office.

He is the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida, according to a news release.

In November, President Trump endorsed Buchanan on Truth Social, writing, "Vern Buchanan has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election -- HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"

At the time of his announcement, Buchanan serves as Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. He has said he will not seek reelection this year.

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According to the announcement, Buchanan passed 51 bills and initiatives signed into law across four presidential administrations. Economically, he played a role in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the USMCA, which modernized North American Trade, and protected Medicare, with goals to lower prescription costs and expand care for seniors.

In a farewell statement, Buchanan said:

Serving the people of Southwest Florida has been the honor of my lifetime. Every achievement worth doing began with listening to my constituents and fighting for their priorities. I came to Congress to solve problems, to fight for working families and to help ensure this country remains a place where opportunity is available to everyone willing to work for it. After 20 years of service, I believe it’s the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life.

Buchanan was raised in a 900-square-foot home in Michigan, served in the Air National Guard, and, later in life, established The Buchanan Foundation to serve Southwest Florida.

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