Trump-endorsed Sydney Gruters, Democrat Kelly Kirschner and independent Mark Davis face off in what could be the only direct public exchange.
By Ed James III
Original Air Date: September 24 2026
Host: Even though Sydney Gruters has raised nearly ten times the amount in campaign donations Kelly Kirschner has been able to raise, the race seems to be close. And then there’s Mark Davis, an independent who keeps bringing up the Epstein Files and universal healthcare. On Wednesday, the contenders for the U.S. House District 16 seat faced off in the first—and possibly only—debate, hosted by the Manatee County League of Women Voters. WSLR news reporter Ed James III watched closely.
Ed James III: The moderator’s questions touched on health care, artificial intelligence, immigration and election administration.
On health care, Kelly Kirschner pointed to the end of federal subsidies and the impact on millions of Floridians.
Kelly Kirschner
Kelly Kirschner: The first thing we need to do is restore the ACA subsidies that this Congress let expire this past December. Immediately, in January, we had over 200,000 families in this congressional district that were impacted. That ranges anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to—a family living in east Sarasota County that I spoke to—over $2000 a month. To the point that was just made, that family walked away from their health insurance. Who’s going to pay for that now if, God forbid, they have to go to the emergency room? All of us, as taxpayers.
EJ: Sydney Gruters stated her support for providing rural residents and veterans with more affordable healthcare options, including telemedicine.
Sydney Gruters | Photo: Nic Steinig
Sydney Gruters: For these communities, to make sure that every resident has access to affordable, safe, quality healthcare. Additionally, we invested in broadband, which means those residents in those rural areas can have access to telemedicine, which is a huge game changer when you’re talking about living several hours away from reliable urgent cares or hospitals or whatever the case may be.
Lastly, I just want to say we have to do the same for our veterans. Bay Pines is going to be in this district, and it is one of the most visited healthcare facilities for our veterans. You have veterans who live hours away in these rural areas who need even more options and more access to the healthcare that they want and, more importantly, the healthcare that they deserve.
EJ: Independent candidate Mark Davis said he supports universal healthcare. Here’s how Davis described himself.
Sydney Gruters (top left), Kelly Kirschner (top right), moderator Trevor Pettiford (bottom left) and Mark Davis (bottom right)
Mark Davis: I’m just a father, I’m just a dad, and I’m just a pissed-off dude in the middle of red Florida. This election is different, and I’m a different candidate. We don’t need the same old bought-and-sold politicians, and that’s what both of these people are.
EJ: On immigration, Gruters emphasized that all six sheriffs within the district are supporting her campaign and that it’s not necessary for more laws to be enacted; there simply needs to be greater support for law enforcement. Kirschner emphasized the need to de-politicize the issues of immigration and revisit a bipartisan approach to comprehensive immigration reform—while noting the importance of immigrant labor in the U.S. economy. Davis’ solution for comprehensive immigration reform was to eliminate ICE, as he saw it as ineffective.
In her closing statement, Sydney Gruters described her campaign, which has been endorsed by Donald Trump and outraised Kirschner’s at a 10 to 1 ratio, as “grassroots.” She also said she will fight corruption and that she is ready to make the “sacrifice” of representing this area in Congress.
Former New College Vice President of Advancement Sydney Gruters and Richard Corcoran
SG: This is a grassroots campaign. We are out there six days a week working, meeting with voters, hearing their concerns. We are focused on affordability of the cost of living, getting the corruption out of Congress—we don’t need more career politicians—and making sure we keep our community safe.
EJ: Gruters recently resigned from her $200,000 a year job of heading the New College Foundation in Sarasota. Rank-and-file U.S. House representatives make $174,000 a year.
To listen to the full debate, go to the League of Women Voters Manatee County YouTube page.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Early voting and mail-in ballot deadlines are approaching. Local election supervisors remind you to check registration details and polling locations ahead of election day.
For WSLR 96.5 FM, I’m Ed James III.
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