Representative in Congress District 16

Republican · lost

Eddie Speir is a Republican candidate for Florida's 16th Congressional District in 2026. An entrepreneur and co-founder of Inspiration Academy, a private school in Parrish, he previously challenged incumbent Rep. Vern Buchanan in the 2024 Republican primary, winning nearly 40% of the vote as a self-described constitutional conservative.

Republican · lost

Edward P. Pope is a United States Navy veteran, executive business leader and decorated Florida Highway Patrol Trooper. He campaigns on supporting veterans' care and benefits and fully funding law enforcement.

Democratic · lost

Glenn Pearson is a Democratic candidate for Florida's 16th Congressional District in 2026. A former broadcast journalist and small-business owner, he is a past president of the Manatee County Black Caucus and past vice-chair of the Manatee County Democratic Party. He was the first candidate in the race to qualify by petition, gathering more than the required 2,564 signatures.

Democratic · lost

Jan Schneider holds a JD from Yale Law School and a PhD in political science from Yale University, graduated summa cum laude from Brown and earned an MIA from Columbia. Her law practice has reached courts from Small Claims to the U.S. Supreme Court and the World Court.

Records: Anti-Corruption +11 for

Democratic · lost

Jon Harris is a combat veteran and US Army Reserve officer raised in a military family who enlisted at 20, serving as an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division. He deployed to Iraq and earned the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Democratic · advanced

Kelly Kirschner campaigns to lower costs, defend health care and bring opportunity home to the Gulf Coast. He argues Washington has been run like a private club for lobbyists and should work for the people who own it.

Records: Anti-Corruption +11 for

Republican · advanced

Sydney Gruters describes herself as a dedicated civic leader, public servant and mother who says she understands what is at stake. She campaigns on defending the American way of life and the issues affecting everyday working Americans.

Democratic · lost

Tamika Lyles is an Air Force veteran and educator raised in Tennessee by a single mother working two jobs. She became the youngest certified nursing assistant in her state's history and served seven years in the Air Force as a medical technician.