Healthcare
Supports restoring Medicare and Medicaid funding and lowering drug costs.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.← Back to Florida · U.S. House · District 16Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position
THE 2026 CANDIDATE FILE
Kelly Kirschner
Candidate for U.S. House · Florida · District 16
THE PERSON
Background
Kelly Kirschner is a former Sarasota mayor and city commissioner, Peace Corps volunteer, UnidosNow co-founder and former Eckerd College administrator.
Roots
- Former Sarasota mayor and commissioner
- Peace Corps service in Guatemala
- UnidosNow co-founder
- Former Eckerd College vice president and dean
Education
- Georgetown University · bachelor’s and master’s degrees; fields not specified in reviewed FAQ
Background sources checked October 30, 2026.
THE POLICIES
Where they stand
Campaign promises are labeled separately from past actions. These are sourced positions, not endorsements or predictions. No stance is assigned from party affiliation.
Environment
Supports protecting Gulf Coast water, beaches and public land.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Taxes
Supports closing tax loopholes and reducing national debt.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Foreign policy
Supports restoring Congress’s constitutional authority over war.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Veterans
Supports fully staffing the VA and protecting benefits.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.THE ELECTION
Ballot & sources
U.S. House · District 16 · November 3, 2026
Candidate listing checked October 26, 2026.
Florida Division of Elections · 2026 General Election candidate listing and qualification statuses ↗Florida Division of Elections · registered political parties and codes ↗The candidate’s name and party follow the official ballot source. Backgrounds and issue positions are checked separately. A candidate is not an officeholder-elect unless a verified result establishes that status.