District 16 Congressional Candidates Discuss Priorities at Manatee Tiger Bay Forum
Candidates seeking to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District gathered at the Manatee Performing Arts Center for a forum hosted by the Manatee Tiger Bay Club and broadcast by METV, allowing voters to hear directly from those competing to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.
The June 17 forum featured Democratic candidates Jonathan Harris, Kelly Kirschner, Tamika Lyles, Glenn Pearson and Jan Schneider, along with Republican candidates Ed Pope and Eddie Speir. The event was designed to help voters compare candidates’ positions ahead of the August primary election.
Throughout the discussion, candidates addressed a wide range of issues affecting residents across the newly redrawn district, including economic development, federal spending, healthcare, immigration, public safety, veterans’ services and government accountability. Participants also discussed the unique challenges facing the district’s mix of urban, suburban and rural communities.
The race has drawn significant attention following Buchanan’s decision not to seek another term after serving in Congress for two decades. The open seat has created competitive Republican and Democratic primaries as candidates seek to represent a district that includes Manatee County, DeSoto County, Hardee County and portions of Sarasota and Pinellas counties.
The forum was part of a series of candidate events being organized throughout Manatee County this election season to increase voter engagement and provide information about candidates before ballots are cast. Organizers encouraged residents to watch the recorded forum through METV and follow upcoming candidate forums covering additional local and state races.
