As national headlines about the 2026 midterm elections start to dominate the national news, Key West is strapping in for its own city elections that will take place Aug. 18, 2026. If no candidate in a race receives more than 50% of the vote, that race will head to a runoff election on Nov. 3, 2026.
In District 5, Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover will not seek reelection due to health problems. But two others are vying for the job.
Community advocate and civic leader Chris Massicotte on Oct. 27 announced his candidacy for the District 5 seat, pledging to restore trust and confidence in local government, rein in wasteful spending and get back to solving the real problems facing residents, states a campaign press release.
“Commissioner Hoover has been a steadfast voice for our city and a true friend to the LGBTQ community,” Massicotte said in a prepared statement. “Her years of service and commitment to equality have left an important mark on Key West, and I wish her comfort and strength as she focuses on her health.”
He added, “While I deeply respect Commissioner Hoover, I often disagreed with her on key issues including her vote to fire the city attorney without cause rather than with cause, which allowed him, despite multiple felony indictments, to walk away with an extra $120,000 of taxpayer money. I also disagreed with her vote to side with big developers on the Casa Marina project.”
A graduate of both the Key West Ambassador Program and Leadership Monroe County, Massicotte currently serves as president of the board of Keys Last Stand and on the board of Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM). His record of civic engagement has focused on protecting the Keys’ environment, promoting ethical governance and standing up for our Key West workforce.
Massicotte, known for his fiscal discipline, has already saved taxpayers money by urging the city commission to postpone a proposed special election to extend mayoral terms from two years to four years, a move that would have cost the city $75,000.
“I’m a fiscal hawk,” Massicotte said. “I will not tolerate wasteful spending or political pet projects. The taxpayers of Key West deserve better. I intend to work tirelessly to repair the damage that’s already been done and to ensure our city’s finances reflect the priorities of the people, not the priorities of insiders.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to run an independent campaign free from conflicts of interest.
“I will not accept campaign contributions from any business or individual with current or potential business before the City,” Massicotte said. “Our leaders should answer only to the voters, not to those seeking special treatment or favorable terms.”
Massicotte said his campaign will focus on the issues that matter most: affordable housing, infrastructure, water quality, and preserving the character of the island.
“It’s time to get back to work for the people of Key West,” he said. “That means ethical leadership, fiscal discipline, and common-sense decision making that puts residents first.”
For more information visit chrisforkeywest.com.
Massicotte faces Harry Russell
Months before Massicotte entered the District 5 race and long before Hoover said she wouldn’t run again, longtime educator Harry Russell had announced his candidacy back in May. For more information, visit harryrussellforkeywest.com.
