Yet another Republican quits Congress as GOP fears disastrous midterms

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) announced Tuesday that he's retiring from Congress.

The longtime member of the House Ways and Means Committee announced he would leave his post representing the red Gulf Coast 16th District after 20 years in office. He's among several congressional leaders opting not to seek reelection as the GOP expects a tough midterm election this November, Politico reported.

“Serving the people of Southwest Florida has been the honor of my lifetime,” Buchanan said in a news release announcing his retirement. “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 elected in 2006 and said he will retire at the end of his current term, in January next year. His exit from Congress comes as a number of vacancies have emerged following the unexpected death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), which shrunk the GOP majority to a precarious 218-213 advantage.