Florida Rep. Neal Dunn to Retire After Five Terms, Opening GOP Seat in Panhandle
Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., announced he will not seek reelection after five terms, creating an open GOP seat amid a wave of House retirements nationwide.
Overview
Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), a physician and Army surgeon, announced Tuesday he will retire after his fifth House term, citing family and a desire to 'pass the torch.'
His departure opens a safe Republican seat in Florida's Panhandle, including Tallahassee, likely prompting a competitive GOP primary and shaping the 2026 congressional map.
Dunn served as vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and on the China Select Committee, focusing on health policy, technology and national security issues.
He is the 48th House member to announce retirement for this cycle; combined with Senate departures, 59 lawmakers have said they will not seek reelection in 2026.
Retirements increase open-seat contests at a time when Republicans hold a narrow House majority, raising stakes for control and complicating party efforts ahead of the midterms.
Analysis
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Sources (3)
FAQ
Florida's 2nd congressional district covers the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle, including Tallahassee and Panama City, with a population of around 781,000-799,000, predominantly White (63.4%) and conservative voters.
The district has a population of 781k-799k, median age 38.8, median household income $61,941, 63.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 22.6% Black, 64.9% homeownership, and 97% U.S. citizens.
It is a safe Republican seat, with Republican voter registration at 42.98%, described as the third-most Republican district in Florida on paper, and not listed as competitive in 2026 ratings.
Rep. Neal Dunn served as vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and on the China Select Committee, focusing on health policy, technology, and national security.
History
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