For commuting a 2x9mile on a regular basis consider the following:
Medium 28-32mm puncture-protected tyres. I use std Schwalbe Marathon (no the Plus version), so a frame with suitable clearance. Hybrids can easily do this.
Threaded eyelet fittings on the frame for rack and fenders.
Non-suspension front fork.
Brands don't mean much, they are all built in the same factories and have components from the same few sources. Shimano and SRAM are the main manufacturers of bits.
Budget for accessories: lock, lights, rack, fenders, luggage, repair kit, helmet, mitts.
It is always easier to negotiate for extra accessories rather than cash off a bike.
A decent example is
Fuji Absolute in base model.
If you opt for a road bike, make sure it is a practical commuter road bike, not a competition race bike.