Neal Dunn

Neal Dunn
Born	Neal Patrick Dunn 16 2, 1953
Birthplace	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Surgeon, politician
Education	Washington and Lee University (BS) George Washington University (MD)
Children	3
Website	[[dunn.house.gov dunn.house.gov] Official site]

Neal Patrick Dunn (born February 16, 1953) is an American surgeon, military veteran, and Republican politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Florida's 2nd congressional district since January 2017. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Dunn built a career in medicine and surgery in the Panama City, Florida, area before entering politics. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Lee University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from George Washington University, subsequently serving as a major in the United States Army's Army Medical Corps from 1979 to 1990. After leaving the military, Dunn established himself as a surgeon in Florida's Panhandle region. He announced his candidacy for Congress in 2015, won the Republican primary and the general election in 2016, and has represented the district through multiple terms. In early 2026, Dunn announced that he would not seek re-election, and in February 2026 he confirmed through his office that he would serve out the remainder of his final term despite widespread speculation about a possible early resignation.

Early Life

Neal Patrick Dunn was born on February 16, 1953, in Boston, Massachusetts. Details about his parents and childhood in the public record are limited. He grew up during a period of significant social and political change in the United States and eventually pursued higher education in Virginia and Washington, D.C., before embarking on careers in both the military and medicine.

Education

Dunn attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He subsequently enrolled at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. His medical training prepared him for a career as a surgeon, which he pursued both in the military and in civilian practice.

Career

Military Service

Following medical school, Dunn entered the United States Army, where he served in the Army Medical Corps from 1979 to 1990. He attained the rank of major during his eleven years of military service. His time in the Army Medical Corps provided him with extensive experience in surgical medicine and military healthcare. After leaving active duty, Dunn transitioned to civilian medical practice in Florida.

Medical Career

After completing his military service, Dunn settled in the Panama City area of the Florida Panhandle, where he established himself as a surgeon. He built a medical practice in the region over the course of more than two decades before entering politics. His background as a physician and surgeon became a central part of his political identity when he later ran for public office.

2016 Congressional Campaign

In August 2015, Dunn announced his candidacy for Florida's 2nd congressional district, running as a Republican. The district had been redrawn following redistricting, and the seat was being vacated by Democratic incumbent Gwen Graham, whose constituency was significantly altered by the new district lines.

During the Republican primary campaign, Dunn and other GOP candidates in the race emphasized their conservative credentials on a range of issues. Dunn campaigned as a conservative, highlighting his experience as a surgeon, his military service, and his views on healthcare policy. He also made campaign visits across the sprawling north Florida district, including stops in communities such as Marianna.

On August 30, 2016, Dunn won the Republican primary election for the 2nd congressional district. In the November 2016 general election, Dunn won the seat and was elected to represent Florida's 2nd congressional district in the 115th United States Congress. His campaign raised and spent significant funds during the cycle, as recorded by the Federal Election Commission.

U.S. House of Representatives

Dunn was sworn into the 115th Congress on January 3, 2017, officially beginning his service as the representative for Florida's 2nd congressional district. His predecessor in the district was Gwen Graham, though the district boundaries had been significantly altered through redistricting.

In Congress, Dunn became a member of the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of conservative House Republicans. He also served on various House committees during his tenure, with his medical background informing his work on healthcare-related policy matters.

Tax Reform

In December 2017, Dunn voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the major tax reform legislation advanced by the Republican majority and the Trump administration. Dunn characterized the passage of the bill as a significant legislative accomplishment, calling it a "win for generations."

Healthcare Policy

As a physician and surgeon, Dunn brought a perspective informed by direct medical experience to congressional debates on healthcare policy. He was among those who commented on Republican healthcare proposals during the 115th Congress, including the Senate's efforts to reform the Affordable Care Act. His background in medicine was frequently cited as relevant to his legislative work in this area.

Net Neutrality

In December 2017, Dunn was among the Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who signed a letter regarding the Federal Communications Commission's decision on net neutrality regulations.

Gun Policy

Following the February 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Dunn's positions on gun legislation drew scrutiny. News reports noted that he had received contributions from the National Rifle Association's political action committee during his political career. The debate over gun policy in the aftermath of the shooting prompted varied responses from residents and leaders in Dunn's district.

Subsequent Terms

Dunn was re-elected to represent Florida's 2nd congressional district in subsequent election cycles, continuing to serve in the House through multiple terms. His congressional record is documented through the Congress.gov legislative database.

Retirement Announcement and Resignation Speculation

In early 2026, Dunn announced that he would not seek re-election to Congress. His announcement prompted immediate speculation about who would seek to succeed him, with former Representative Gwen Graham, a Democrat who had previously held a version of the seat, initially considered a potential candidate before announcing she would not run, citing family reasons.

Following his retirement announcement, rumors circulated in Washington that Dunn might resign before the end of his term, a prospect that generated concern among Republican leaders given the party's narrow majority in the House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly urged Dunn to remain in Congress for the duration of his term. Dunn's office repeatedly denied the resignation rumors over a period of weeks.

On February 23, 2026, Dunn's spokesperson formally confirmed that the congressman intended to serve out the remainder of his term, putting to rest the speculation about an early departure. The confirmation was reported as significant in the context of the narrow Republican House majority, as an early vacancy would have further reduced the party's margin. Local media in Dunn's district also confirmed the news.

Personal Life

Dunn resides in the Panama City area of the Florida Panhandle. He has three children. Before entering politics, he was known in the Panama City community primarily through his medical practice. His military service in the Army spanned over a decade, during which he served in the Army Medical Corps and reached the rank of major.