Buchanan headed to comfortable win over primary challenger for final state House term

Incumbent Florida House Rep. James Buchanan appeared headed to a commanding win over Republican primary challenger Michelle Pozzie, winning more than 73% of the vote Tuesday.

Buchanan has posted a lead in all but one of the 40 precincts his district. He is seeking his fourth and final term representing Florida House District 74.

Buchanan told the Herald-Tribune Tuesday night that he was humbled by the overwhelming support.

"Going into my last term, I think it's important as a representative, as someone that represents our area, the community, to be someone that's a good listener and is willing to have those conversations with members of the community."

Buchanan had support from the Republican establishment in Sarasota, years of a conservative track record in Tallahassee, and he maintained a monumental fundraising advantage throughout the campaign. He raised at least $113,000 in 2024, while Pozzie received a little more than $12,000.

A heavy underdog, Pozzie has become a fixture in the burgeoning Mike Flynn-aligned conservative movement in southern Sarasota County. She has been endorsed by the America First Southwest Florida Caucus and hosts two shows on Flynn’s “Patriot TV” conservative media project.

She gave Buchanan his first serious election challenge since 2020. The incumbent showed no rust, however, and held more than 10,000 votes over Pozzie as of Tuesday night.

Pozzie was part of a slate of candidates backed by the America First Southwest Florida Caucus that were largely defeated in Tuesday's primary.

As the primary winner, Buchanan would be heavily favored to win the Republican-dominated district In November against Democrat Nancy M.H. Simpson.

Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at ccasale@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @vanityhack

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Buchanan headed to comfortable win over primary challenger for final state House term