[Update with Statement from UF] Press Release: Dennis Kucinich to Speak on Influence of Money in U.S. Foreign Policy with Independent Congressional Candidate Mike Klein

Update | Statement from University of Florida on Campaign Information | September 24:

The University of Florida respectfully requests an update to the story titled: "Press Release: Dennis Kucinich to Speak on Influence of Money in U.S. Foreign Policy with Independent Congressional Candidate Mike Klein."

The University of Florida has no record of a request by Mr. Klein or his campaign to host a campaign event on campus.

On Monday, Sept. 21, UF received an event permit request from the College Independents, a registered student organization, for an event on Thursday, Sept. 24. The information provided by the requester stated the student organization intended to play host to former Congressman Dennis Kucinich “in conversation with Mike Klein.” The permit did not indicate that Mr. Klein is a candidate for office.

In accordance with the institution’s Use of Space Policy, event permits must be submitted 21 business days in advance to ensure time to appropriately review and process an event. Requests submitted less than 21 business days before the event may be delayed or denied due to availability, timing, risk review, or other process requirements.

UF staff reached out to the student organization in an attempt to coordinate a later date, but organizers shared they would seek to host the event off campus.

As a result, no permit was issued or approved for the requested event.

Editor's Notes: After the event experienced a change in location, (prior to UF sending the above statement), the following statement was provided by College Independents President Olivia Sayani:

College Independents were informed that UF canceled the permit because of security concerns over Congressman Kucinich...

The statement added that The College Independents are co-hosting the event.

Press Release from Mike Klein for Congress Campaign:

Update from Campaign Manager Sonia Klein | September 22:

Previous advertisements stated this event would be held at Reitz Union on the University of Florida campus. Since then, UF canceled the permit for the event; it will now be held at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, FL 32601.

Kucinich, a long-standing advocate for peace and the creation of a Department of Peace, will join Mike Klein, the Independent candidate for Congress in Florida's 3rd District and a West Point graduate and combat veteran, to examine questions that extend far beyond one congressional race:

Thursday, September 24 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Gainesville, Florida [25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, FL 32601].

What is the role of Congress when America goes to war?

What are the economic consequences for American families?

What alternatives to continued military escalation exist?

Who is influencing the decisions being made in Washington — and what will the next generation inherit from them?

The event is co-hosted by UF College Independents.Media opportunities are available, including interviews with Dennis Kucinich and Mike Klein, television, radio, and podcast interviews, and event coverage. 

Event information: www.mikeklein4congress.com

For interviews, credentials, or additional information... vote@mikekleinforcongress.com

Kucinich Comes To Gainesville: Who Does American Foreign Policy Serve?

Former congressman joins Independent veteran Mike Klein as peace, American interests, and the influence of money on foreign policy take center stage

Former Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is coming to Gainesville for a national conversation about war, peace, and who really shapes American foreign policy.

Two decades after Kucinich brought his vision for a Department of Peace to Florida, that vision remains as relevant as ever. Mike Klein, West Point graduate, Army Ranger, Desert Storm veteran, and Independent candidate for Congress in Florida’s 3rd District, has pledged to advance Kucinich’s vision in Congress as part of his Strength Through Peace agenda.

Klein, who is endorsed by Independent Veterans of America, is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Kat Cammack. Klein argues that American foreign policy should be driven by the security and economic interests of the American people, not political parties, major donors, or foreign interests.

“Veterans understand the cost of war,” Klein said. “Strength is not measured by how quickly we reach for military power. It is measured by the confidence to lead, the wisdom to negotiate, and the courage to pursue peace. Dennis Kucinich had the vision to give peace a seat at the table in Washington. I want to help make that vision a reality.”

The event comes at a moment of profound political change among voters nationwide. A June CNN poll found 47% of Americans identify as Independent, compared with 27% as Democrats and 26% as Republicans, the highest level CNN has recorded in more than a decade.

The Gainesville event is co-sponsored by the newly formed College Independents at the University of Florida. As a generation coming of age amid war, rising national debt, and economic uncertainty, they will inherit the consequences of the choices Washington makes today at home and across the world.

For Klein, the question ultimately comes down to whose interests America serves.

“A strong nation does not allow donors or foreign interests to choose its battles,” Klein said. “American lives and American wealth should never be committed without a clear American interest. We can defend this country, pursue peace, and lead the world on our own terms. That is Strength Through Peace.”

Dennis Kucinich & Mike Klein in Gainesville

Thursday, September 24, 2026

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Reitz Union, University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Co-sponsored by College Independents at the University of Florida

About Mike Klein:

Mike Klein is a fifth-generation Floridian, the president of the West Point Society of Gainesville, a Desert Storm combat veteran, and the proud father of two Gators. He is also the Chairman & Co-Founder of Warrior Centric Health, a company working to improve the quality of healthcare for the military and veteran community. Now, he is running as an Independent for Congress in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District. His campaign is built on the foundational conviction that corruption is the greatest threat to our nation, so we must get money out of politics. More information about his campaign is available at mikeklein4congress.com. 

For media inquiries and RSVPs, contact:

Anna Westbrook

Communications Director

Mike Klein for Congress

anna.westbrook@mikekleinforcongress.com