BREAKING: McNulty Exits Key West Mayor’s Race, Endorses Kaufman
Civic activist Chris McNulty announced on Facebook he’s withdrawing from the 2026 Key West mayor’s race, saying Commissioner Sam Kaufman’s candidacy “unites the coalition Key West needs right now.”
Ed. Note: An earlier version of this story had the candidates name misspelled. Above the Fold apologizes for the mistake.
Civic activist Chris McNulty announced Tuesday he is withdrawing from the 2026 Key West mayor’s race, posting on Facebook that he will back City Commissioner Sam Kaufman, whose entry last week quickly reshaped the contest.
McNulty, among the first to signal a run earlier this year, wrote that Kaufman’s candidacy “unites the coalition Key West needs right now” and said he would rather support a proven leader than split votes among reform-minded residents.
Kaufman, who has represented District 2 on the City Commission since 2015 and served multiple terms as vice mayor, launched his campaign for mayor on October 24. His platform centers on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and rebuilding public trust in City Hall after years of corruption scandals and grand jury scrutiny.
McNulty said he plans to remain involved in civic issues and may support Kaufman’s campaign in an unofficial capacity. His withdrawal narrows the early mayoral field ahead of the August 2026 municipal election, further positioning Kaufman as the early frontrunner in a race once considered wide open.