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NewsFlorida PoliticsMay 1, 2026Florida

Former Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner Announces Run for Florida's 16th Congressional District

Kelly Kirschner, a former Sarasota Mayor and Democrat, has entered the race for Florida's 16th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of incumbent Vern Buchanan. The campaign follows a recent redistricting process that maintains a Republican-leaning voter base in the district.

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Why It Matters

Residents of the 16th will have a new candidate on the ballot for the upcoming election to replace retiring Representative Vern Buchanan, impacting the future representation of Manatee, parts of Pinellas, eastern Sarasota, DeSoto, and Hardee counties.

Key Facts

  • Kelly Kirschner has officially entered the race for the U.S. House seat in Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  • The seat is open due to the retirement of incumbent U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan after 20 years in office.
  • The Florida Legislature recently approved a new congressional map for the 16th District.
  • The new district includes parts of south Pinellas County, all of Manatee County, eastern Sarasota County, and extends into DeSoto and Hardee counties.
  • Under the new map, 56.2% of voters supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election, while 42.7% supported Kamala Harris.
  • Kelly Kirschner previously served as Mayor of Sarasota and as a director for the Hispanic advocacy group UnidosNow.
  • Kirschner formerly served as Vice President and Dean of the Division of Executive and Continuing Education at Eckerd College.
  • Kirschner was a delegate for Bernie Sanders at the 2016 Democratic National Committee.

Who's Mentioned

personVern Buchanan“Retiring U.S. Representative for the 16th District.”personKerry Kirschner“Late father of Kelly Kirschner and former Sarasota Mayor.”personKamala Harris“Presidential candidate supported by 42.7% of voters in the new CD 16 map.”personKelly Kirschner“Former Sarasota Mayor and candidate for Florida's 16th Congressional District.”locationFlorida's 16th Congressional District“The district currently undergoing redistricting and an open election.”personDonald Trump“Presidential candidate supported by 56.2% of voters in the new CD 16 map.”personBernie Sanders“Political figure Kirschner supported as a delegate in 2016.”