Florida Rep. Webster Won't Seek Reelection

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, a Florida Republican who has served in elected office for more than four decades, announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection to a ninth term in the House, leaving his safely Republican 11th Congressional District open for 2026.

The 77-year-old congressman, Florida's longest-serving elected official, represents a constituency spanning western Orange County, southern Lake County, Sumter County and parts of Seminole and Polk counties. The district includes Orlando's western suburbs, Walt Disney World and the large retirement community of The Villages. Former President Donald Trump carried the seat 58 percent to 41 percent in 2024.

Webster cited family as a key factor in his decision. "After much prayerful consideration and discussion with my beloved wife Sandy, I have decided not to seek reelection to the United States House of Representatives," he said in a statement on his official website. "The time has come to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more precious time with my wife, children and 24 grandchildren."

The announcement came one day after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a new congressional map and the day after...