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U.S. House · FL-16 · Democratic candidate · 2026

Kelly Kirschner

Democratic candidate for Florida's 16th Congressional District

Former Sarasota mayor, city commissioner and Peace Corps volunteer focused on housing, insurance costs, clean water and workforce education.

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Portrait of Kelly Kirschner
DistrictFL-16
OfficeCongress
ElectionNov. 3, 2026

Policy priorities

Where Kelly stands.

Campaign position

Lower property insurance costs

  • Supports a federal reinsurance backstop to help stabilize Florida's property insurance market

Campaign position

Keep housing within reach

  • Supports affordable housing
  • Wants to stop Wall Street firms from buying single-family homes and inflating rents

Campaign position

Protect affordable health coverage

  • Supports restoring Medicaid and Medicare funding
  • Wants protections for people with pre-existing conditions

Campaign position

Protect Florida waters and coasts

  • Opposes offshore drilling and open-water fish farming
  • Supports enforcing the Clean Water Act

Campaign position

Expand workforce training pathways

  • Supports apprenticeships and nursing and teaching programs
  • Wants four-year degrees to be more affordable

Campaign position

Improve care for veterans

  • Supports fully staffed VA clinics
  • Wants reliable, around-the-clock crisis support for veterans

Record and background

Record & experience.

  1. August 2026

    Accomplishment

    Democratic nominee

    Won the Democratic primary for Florida's 16th District.

  2. 1999-2003

    Experience

    Peace Corps volunteer

    Worked in Guatemala to connect Mayan farmers with markets.

  • Experience

    Mayor of Sarasota

    Served as mayor of Sarasota.

  • Experience

    Sarasota city commissioner

    Served on the Sarasota City Commission.

  • Experience

    Eckerd College vice president

    Led executive leadership and lifelong learning programs.

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