Prediction Edge
Democrat
Kelly Kirschner

Kelly Kirschner

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Overview

Current roleMayor

PartyDemocratic

Political ideologyProgressive Democrat

GenderMale

LocationFlorida

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BackgroundPolitician (former Sarasota city commissioner and mayor)

EducationGeorgetown University — M.A., Latin American Studies

Notable personal detailsKelly Kirschner is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 16th Congressional District. He previously served on the Sarasota City Commission and as mayor of Sarasota. He has worked in higher education leadership at Eckerd College and has been involved in regional nonprofit work, including co-founding UnidosNow.

SourcesShow
dos.elections.myflorida.comkellykirschner.comunidosnow.orgwslr.orgen.wikipedia.orglinkedin.comfec.govdocquery.fec.govapi.open.fec.govthecandidate.comsers.fec.govballotready.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgvotebrevard.govefoservices.fec.govreddit.comdisclosures-clerk.house.govpinellas.legistar.comcdn.ballotpedia.orgeckerd.edustpete.cityverse.lifebradenton.comamericasvoice.orgamericanimmigrationcouncil.orgyourobserver.compodscan.fmpbs.orgkjzz.orgkansaspolicy.orgfactcheck.orgforbes.comfloridianpress.comactivatepinellas.orgnprillinois.orgtownofravenel.com19january2017snapshot.epa.govcms5.revize.comstpete.commediationworks.cominstagram.comfloridapolitics.comballotpedia.orgthebradentontimes.comyahoo.comwikidata.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orghistory.house.govclerk.house.govgovinfo.gov

Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

Supports closing tax loopholes for corporations and billionaires and redirecting savings to working families and debt reduction. Advocates ending tax breaks that favor wealthy interests and using funds to invest in affordable energy, healthcare, and university research that benefits the middle class.

Healthcare

Supports protecting patients with pre-existing conditions, restoring cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, and expanding access to affordable healthcare. Emphasizes that healthcare is not a luxury and calls for Congress to reverse recent reductions in government-provided coverage. Prioritizes holding hospitals and insurers accountable to ensure coverage for district residents.

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Immigration & Border

Kelly Kirschner has a pro-immigrant record as a former Sarasota mayor and as chair/co-founder of UnidosNow, emphasizing immigrants’ economic contributions and opposing state enforcement measures (such as broad E-Verify provisions) that he says harm workers and communities. His public comments and participation in local immigration panels and advocacy events reflect support for protections and inclusion for immigrants while focusing on practical workforce and community impacts.

Climate & Energy

Supports blocking offshore drilling, holding oil and electric utilities accountable for price gouging, and investing in affordable energy and disaster readiness for the Gulf Coast. Emphasizes protecting the coastline and funding research and resilience for local universities and industries. Positions prioritize consumer protections and clean-energy investment rather than expanding fossil-fuel production.

Endorsements

FL-16 Democratic nominee?

Endorsers of Kelly Kirschner for FL-16 Democratic nominee?

Rick Kriseman

Former elected official

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman endorsed Kelly Kirschner.

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Fundraising

Latest report: Cycle 2026
Total raisedCash on hand
$223.3K
$167.5K
$111.6K
$55.8K
$0

2026

Latest
Year
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate

Cycle 2026

$223.3K
$166.3K
$57.0K
$3.2K

Source: FEC

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We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

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