Hometown! Event to Spotlight Potential Candidates Ahead of 2026 Elections
Public invited to meet prospective officeholders March 9.
Local civic group Hometown! Key West is inviting incumbents, declared candidates and prospective candidates for public office to participate in a “Call for Candidates” event scheduled for Monday, March 9, at 5 p.m. at Salute! On The Beach at Higgs Beach.
The event is free and open to the public, with organizers encouraging residents to attend and hear from individuals considering runs for office in the 2026 election cycle.
Hometown! Chair Todd German said the gathering is intended to promote civic engagement and highlight the importance of local elections as qualifying periods approach for several federal, state and local races.
The 2026 ballot in Monroe County is expected to include contests for State Senate, U.S. House and Florida House seats, two Monroe County Commission seats, three circuit judge seats and one county judge seat. In the City of Key West, voters are scheduled to elect a mayor and three city commissioners. Additional races include two Monroe County School Board seats, two Florida Keys Mosquito Control District seats and three Keys Energy Services board seats.
Organizers said the event aims to provide an early opportunity for voters to hear directly from those exploring leadership roles and to encourage participation in the election process.
More information about the March 9 event and how to participate is available at www.hometownKeyWest.com or by emailing hometownkeywest@gmail.com.