BREAKING: Key West’s 2026 Election Season Heats Up as Kaufman Enters Mayoral Race, Compton Launches Bid for District IV
Commissioner Sam Kaufman announces run for mayor; local business owner Sarah Compton joins City Commission race with focus on integrity and community.
The 2026 Key West election season is officially underway, with longtime City Commissioner Sam Kaufman announcing his campaign for mayor and local business owner Sarah Compton launching her bid for City Commission, District IV.
Kaufman, who has represented District 2 since 2015 and served as vice mayor from 2018 to 2024, said his mayoral campaign will center on consensus-building, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community participation — principles that have guided his decade in public service.
“Key West deserves leadership that listens, unites, and works for everyone,” Kaufman said. “Our greatest strength is our people, and I intend to bring the community together to face our challenges head-on with fairness, collaboration, and respect.”
As commissioner, Kaufman has helped guide the city through major crises — including hurricane recovery and the COVID-19 pandemic — while keeping local government responsive and ensuring essential services remained strong. He also continues to lead efforts to ensure a transparent process in selecting the next operator for the Lower Keys Medical Center.
“Our hospital is at the heart of our community,” Kaufman said. “We must make sure the next operator puts patients first, treats our local health-care professionals with respect, and provides the quality of care our residents deserve.”
A practicing attorney and 27-year resident of Key West, Kaufman has been deeply involved in nearly every major issue facing the city since 2015 — from affordable housing and water quality to cultural preservation and fiscal management.
“Good government starts with listening,” he said. “As mayor, I’ll continue to seek common ground, bring people together, and keep the public’s trust at the center of every decision.”
Beyond City Hall, Kaufman serves as a mentor for Take Stock in Children, sits on the boards of the Key West Art & Historical Society and Florida Keys SPCA, and chairs the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, where he has volunteered for more than 25 years helping individuals and families in need of housing, food, and recovery services.
Supporters can learn more at KaufmanforKeyWest.com or by contacting Sam@KaufmanforKeyWest.com.
District IV Challenge
Meanwhile, Sarah Compton, a Key West business owner and community advocate, announced her campaign for City Commission, District IV, emphasizing Brave Leadership. Honest Service. Community First.
“I’m running because I love this island and the people who make it what it is,” Compton said. “Key West deserves leadership that listens, that tells the truth, and that remembers who it serves — our neighbors, our workers, and our small businesses.”
Compton, who owns a locally based hospitality and marketing agency, has built her career connecting businesses, concierges, and cultural organizations while promoting transparency and collaboration.
“When we lead with integrity, everything else follows — stronger neighborhoods, fairer policies, and a government people can trust again,” she said. “I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to serve this community and to help build the kind of future we can all be proud of.”
Her campaign will focus on fiscal responsibility, cultural preservation, and rebuilding public trust through open, honest communication.
Compton’s platform centers on three guiding principles:
Integrity Over Corruption: Decisions based on fairness and facts, not favoritism.
Community Over Politics: Putting people before power and fostering open communication.
Future Over Status Quo: Protecting what makes Key West special while planning smart for what’s ahead.
“Key West has always been One Human Family,” Compton said. “Our job now is to make sure that spirit is reflected in City Hall.”
More information about Compton’s campaign is available at ComptonForCommissioner.com or by following @SC4IV on social media.
HOORAY! TIME FOR CHANGE…I want our ONE HUMAN FAMILY back. Lead the way!!!