FL-16 Democratic nominee?
$5.4K
AUG 19, 2026
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer Mayor
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationFlorida
BackgroundPolitician (former Sarasota City Commissioner; former Mayor of Sarasota)
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EducationGeorgetown University — M.A., Latin American Studies
Notable personal detailsKelly Kirschner is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Florida’s 16th Congressional District. He previously served on the Sarasota City Commission and was Mayor of Sarasota (2010–2011). He has worked in higher education leadership at Eckerd College and co-founded the nonprofit UnidosNow. Kirschner earned a master’s degree in Latin American studies from Georgetown University and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports closing tax loopholes and removing tax breaks for billionaires and corporations to pay down debt and fund investments for working families; advocates using savings to invest in affordable energy, healthcare protections, and programs that benefit the middle class.
Healthcare
Supports protecting and restoring government healthcare programs (Medicaid and Medicare), protecting patients with pre-existing conditions, and defending hospitals along the Gulf Coast. Emphasizes lowering prescription and insurance costs and reversing recent cuts to Medicaid. Does not endorse single-payer or Medicare for All on the campaign priorities page.
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Immigration & Border
Kelly Kirschner has criticized Florida’s restrictive SB 1718 and expressed concern about its harmful effects on families and the local economy; he is co-founder and chair of UnidosNow, a nonprofit focused on Latino integration and education. His public remarks emphasize protecting immigrant families and the need to avoid state-level measures that sow fear or disrupt communities.
Climate & Energy
Supports investing in affordable energy to lower bills and opposes expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling that could threaten the Gulf Coast and local tourism; has pushed the regional utility (FPL) for concessions to protect residents.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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