Key West Swears In First Jewish Mayor in Nearly 200-Year History

Samuel Kaufman has been sworn in as the first Jewish mayor of Key West, Florida, marking a historic milestone for the island city as it approaches its 200th anniversary.

Kaufman formally took office on August 24 after defeating incumbent Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez in the August 18 election. He received 57.6% of the vote, compared with 42.4% for Henriquez.

A lawyer and longtime Key West city commissioner, Kaufman said his Jewish identity carries particular significance as he begins his new role.

He told JNS that serving the city as a Jewish person was an “incredible honor and responsibility,” and said he hopes to continue the longstanding contributions of Jews to the Key West community.

Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States, has a permanent population of around 25,000. Kaufman estimates that approximately 1,000 Jewish residents live in the city.

Kaufman describes himself as a somewhat observant Jew and regularly attends the local Chabad. He said he is particularly looking forward to celebrating the upcoming High Holidays with the Jewish community.

The new mayor has also been an outspoken supporter of Israel.

Days after the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, Kaufman, then serving as vice mayor, sponsored a resolution condemning the attack and expressing support for Israel. The Key West City Commission approved the resolution unanimously.

Kaufman said the city subsequently flew the Israeli flag outside City Hall alongside the American and Florida flags for four months.

He has also noted that despite Key West’s generally liberal political character, the city has largely avoided the intense anti-Israel activism seen in some other American communities.

Kaufman will serve as mayor through August 2028. His election marks the first time a Jewish resident has led Key West since the city was incorporated nearly two centuries ago.