Some of the state's top legislators and local law enforcement officers say James Buchanan has the secret sauce to become one of Florida's key lawmakers in Tallahassee.
This week, Florida House of Representatives hopeful James Buchanan has been reeling in the endorsements from some top state and local officials in recent weeks, a boon to his bid to replace Rep. Alex Miller to represent Sarasota in in the state Legislature.
Last month, Buchanan jumped headfirst into the special election for Florida’s 72nd House District after Alex Miller announced she would resign from the seat.
Miller had served in the Florida House for less than a year, representing part of the Sarasota area.
Lawmakers have taken notice of Buchanan's potential star power, saying he'll get things done and make his mark as a legislator.
Earlier this week, Buchanan picked up the endorsements of two Tampa Bay area lawmakers for his bid to replace Miller: future Senate President Bill Galvano, and state Rep. Jim Boyd, both Republicans from the Bradenton area.
Both legislators said they were hopeful Buchanan would be a strength to the state legislature should voters send him to Tallahassee next year.
“I know James will be ready to hit the ground running once he gets to Tallahassee,” said Sen. Galvano. “He will be an asset to our local delegation as someone who will help get things done.”
Boyd said he was hopeful Buchanan would be a “great partner” in the Florida House, especially on issues that matter most to the average Floridian.
“When it comes to passing tax relief for hard-working families or education reforms that help our children, I look forward to working with him,” Boyd said.
Buchanan said he was “humbled” by the endorsements from two of the state’s top legislators.
“They are icons in the legislative process and I am humbled by their endorsement and will seek to serve as they do,” Buchanan explained.
Those weren’t the only endorsements Buchanan snagged this week.
On Friday, Buchanan nabbed the endorsement from Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight, who said he believed Buchanan would fight tooth and nail to make sure the Sarasota area was safe.
“I know James will give law enforcement the support we need to keep our community safe,” Knight said. “He stands with us, so I will stand with him.”
Buchanan, a real estate agent and broker, initially intended to run for Boyd’s district, House District 71, but switched tracks once Miller announced she would be resigning from her post last month.
The name “Buchanan” should ring a bell to Florida politicos -- James Buchanan’s father, Vern, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2006.
Buchanan is the only declared Republican candidate for the seat, which has historically leaned towards GOP candidates.
Democrats Margaret Elizabeth Rowell Good and Ruta Jouniari are also running for the seat.
The special election to replace Miller will be held Feb. 13 next year.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
