League of Women Voters to host candidate forums in Sarasota County

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will host five candidate forums for local races in the 2026 general election. The League is working to accommodate all invited candidates who have responded. Additional forums will be scheduled if at least two candidates in each race agree to participate, the league announced. This year’s forums are being hosted in partnership with Suncoast Searchlight. The League’s co-president, Vilia Johnson, and Emily Le Coz, Suncoast Searchlight executive editor, will moderate the forums. All forums will be livestreamed on the League’s YouTube channel and recorded for viewing on the League’s website. Registration is not required. The confirmed forums include:Florida Senate District 22 - Sept. 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m.U.S. Congressional District 16 – Sept. 23, noon to 1 p.m. Sarasota City Commission – Oct. 7 , 5:30-6:30 p.m.North Port City Commission – Oct. 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Venice City Commission – Oct. 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m. All candidates