After years away from politics, former Sarasota City Commissioner and Mayor Kelly Kirschner announced a return to public life, citing concerns over Democratic erosion and a newly redrawn congressional map. Florida’s 16th District, recently reshaped without public input, now spans six counties and stretches for hours, a move critics say defies voter-approved anti-gerrymandering standards. Kirschner framed the campaign as part of a broader push against rising costs and political influence by wealthy donors, urging community support and engagement.