News Summary
Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist is considering a candidacy for mayor of St. Petersburg in 2026. With current mayor Ken Welch likely running for re-election and challengers emerging, Crist’s extensive political experience could impact the race. As the political landscape shifts, the election format change to even-numbered years may also affect voter turnout. Crist plans to discuss his potential candidacy with his family as he assesses public interest and the evolving political dynamics in the region.
St. Petersburg – Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist is contemplating a run for mayor of St. Petersburg in 2026, stating that he is seriously considering the opportunity. Crist is currently assessing public interest and intends to talk it over with his family, including his fiancée, Chelsea Grimes, before making a final decision regarding his candidacy.
Currently, Ken Welch serves as the mayor of St. Petersburg, having taken office in 2022 after succeeding Rick Kriseman. Although Welch has not officially filed for re-election, he has indicated his intention to run again in the upcoming election. In addition to Crist, St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard has declared her candidacy for mayor, and community activist Maria Scruggs has formally filed to run. Notably, both Crist and Gabbard had previously endorsed Welch during the last election cycle, signaling a shift in political allegiances as the 2026 race approaches.
The upcoming mayoral race in St. Petersburg will mark a significant change, as it will take place for the first time in an even-numbered year. This alteration is expected to impact voter turnout positively. Historically, municipal elections occur in odd-numbered years, which have generally attracted lower participation rates.
Charlie Crist has an extensive political background, having served as the Governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011 and as a U.S. Representative for Florida’s 13th District from 2017 to 2022. Although Crist is a veteran politician, his recent runs have not yielded success; he ran for U.S. Senate twice and faced a significant defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election against Republican Ron DeSantis, losing by nearly 20 percentage points. His previous experiences may offer him valuable insights and strategies should he decide to enter the mayoral race.
As Crist weighs his options, the political landscape in St. Petersburg appears to be shifting. There is an observable decline in active Democratic voter registration in the area, which could influence the mayoral election dynamics. This decline has sparked speculation concerning Crist’s candidacy, especially following Gabbard’s announcement to run. At this time, no Republican candidates have emerged to challenge for the mayoral position, leaving the field largely composed of Democratic contenders.
In summary, Charlie Crist is mulling over the prospect of running for mayor in St. Petersburg in 2026, a decision that could reshape the city’s political future. With incumbent Ken Welch likely to pursue re-election and new candidates like Brandi Gabbard and Maria Scruggs entering the race, the competition is expected to become intense as voters prepare for an unprecedented election cycle. Crist’s established political portfolio might provide him with a fundraising edge and an informed approach to address the unique needs of the St. Petersburg community.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Spectrum Local News
- WFLA News
- Florida Politics
- Google Search: Charlie Crist St. Petersburg mayor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Crist
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
