Candidate Profile: U.S. Representative from Florida: Keith Fitzgerald

Candidate: Keith Fitzgerald

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 55

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Residence: Sarasota

Occupation: Professor at New College of Florida

Education:  B.A., University of Louisville (1979); Ph.D. in Political Science, Indiana University (1987)

Keith Fitzgerald is challenging Vern Buchanan for his U.S. Representative seat in Florida’s District 16 (formerly District 13). Serving New College of Florida students as a political science professor since 1994, Fitzgerald is looking to tackle issues involving employment, Iran, Social Security and Medicare; taxes and governmental finance; and election reform.

Fitzgerald represented the Florida House’s 69th District from 2007 until 2010 and has held additional leadership positions throughout the community. A husband and father of two, he has participated on the Advisory Council of Faculty Senates, Board of Trustees of New College of Florida, Sarasota City Charter Review Board and many private non-profit organization boards.

Having studied history, political and moral theory and social science for the majority of his life, Fitzgerald remains passionate about politics in and outside of his classroom. As an educator, he teaches the importance of relationships between citizens and their governing institutions, and during his time in office, Fitzgerald says he remained free from the persuasion of special interests.

In 2007, the House Democratic Caucus appointed Fitzgerald to Policy Chair, allowing him to better confront controversies such as alternative energy, affordable housing, mental health, finance reform and oil drilling off Florida beaches. Fitzgerald’s accomplishment was admirable for a freshman member, and he became a leading voice in the caucus, known to work efficiently with both political parties toward solutions.