Come August 2026, Key West voters might be requested to decide on a mayor and a few metropolis commissioners in three nonpartisan races that may very well be determined within the Aug. 18 main.
Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez, who plans to hunt reelection to her second time period, drew a challenger on Oct. 27, when Metropolis Commissioner and native lawyer Sam Kaufman, who has represented District 2 on town fee since 2015, filed paperwork to run for mayor.
Previous to Kaufman’s introduced candidacy, resident Chris McNulty had thrown his hat within the ring in July, however advised the Keys Weekly on Oct. 27 that he’s withdrawing from the race to assist Kaufman. McNulty’s candidacy was borne of frustration with the fee over their selections about immigration enforcement and the rainbow crosswalks.
“All through these current selections at Key West Metropolis Corridor, I witnessed Sam Kaufman persistently talking up for the folks of Key West, articulately combating for our rights and sovereignty as an island group within the face of federal and state overreach,” McNulty stated. “I firmly consider Commissioner Kaufman is the suitable particular person for the job of mayor of Key West….”
Along with representing District 2 for a decade, Kaufman served as vice-mayor beneath former mayor Teri Johnston, from 2018 via 2024.
“Key West deserves management that listens, unites and works for everybody,” Kaufman stated. “Our biggest energy is our folks and I intend to carry the group collectively to face our challenges head-on with equity, collaboration, and respect.”
He stated his marketing campaign will concentrate on consensus-building, transparency, fiscal accountability and group participation.
“As a metropolis commissioner and vice-mayor, Kaufman has offered regular management via a number of the metropolis’s most tough years, together with the COVID-19 pandemic and intervals of main hurricane response and restoration, working to maintain native authorities accountable and accessible,” states a marketing campaign press launch.
“Throughout the pandemic and hurricane restoration, we realized what true group means,” Kaufman stated. “Key West confirmed compassion, resilience and braveness and I’ll proceed to lead with those self same values as mayor.”
Kaufman has additionally performed a task within the ongoing course of to pick the following operator of the Decrease Keys Medical Heart, emphasizing transparency, stakeholder enter and accountability to make sure the perfect final result for native well being care, the press launch states.
“Our hospital is on the coronary heart of our group,” Kaufman stated. “We should make certain the subsequent operator places sufferers first, treats our native health-care professionals with respect, and gives the standard of care our residents deserve.”
“These previous 10 years have given me a deep understanding of how our metropolis works and, simply as importantly, the way it can work higher,” Kaufman stated. “I consider we will stability progress with preservation, fiscal self-discipline with compassion and progress with respect for what makes Key West distinctive.”
Kaufman’s marketing campaign emphasizes unity and participation, constructing consensus throughout all elements of the group and making certain that residents’ voices information town’s future.
For extra data, electronic mail Sam@KaufmanforKeyWest.com or go to KaufmanforKeyWest.com.
About Sam Kaufman
Sam Kaufman has been a resident of Key West for 27 years. His group involvement past Metropolis Corridor contains:
• Serving as a mentor for the Take Inventory in Kids program
• Serving as an govt board member of the Key West Artwork & Historic Society
• Serving on the board of the Florida Keys SPCA
• Chairing the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, the place he has served for over 25 years serving to people and households in want of housing, meals and restoration providers.