Florida Republican Representative Daniel Webster has decided not to seek re-election this year. In a statement released Tuesday, he said, “After prayerful reflection and discussion with my beloved wife, Sandy, I have made the decision to step away from the United States House of Representatives.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Florida, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for responsible reforms and policies benefiting taxpayers. “It has truly been an honor to represent the state I love. However, it’s time to hand over the reins to the next conservative leader and to focus more on my family,” he added, noting he wants to spend more time with his wife, children, and 24 grandchildren.
Webster has been in Congress since early 2011. Reflecting on his tenure, he highlighted efforts to promote fiscal responsibility, including reducing congressional salaries and returning over $6 million in savings to the Treasury. He remarked, “This has been the most representative-led Congress I’ve experienced, and we’ve made significant progress in controlling spending.”
His retirement announcement came shortly after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revealed a new congressional map proposal that redraws district boundaries, potentially adding four Republican-friendly seats if approved by the state legislature. The Governor’s changes aim to consolidate Republican-leaning areas, and this new layout could be in place for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Webster has previously voiced concerns about the implications of such reconfigurations, cautioning against potential issues.
In response to Webster’s retirement, Senator Rick Scott called him “a hard worker and American patriot” who has served Florida with dedication, expressing gratitude for their collaboration on various initiatives for the state.
