News Summary
Former Florida governor and U.S. representative Charlie Crist is exploring a possible candidacy for St. Petersburg mayor in the upcoming 2026 election. Crist plans discussions with his family, including his fiancée, before making a final decision. The current mayor, Ken Welch, is likely to seek re-election, while other candidates have already declared. This potential move marks Crist’s eighth run for public office in two decades, emphasizing his long-standing political career. The evolving political landscape in St. Petersburg could impact voter turnout and support for candidates as the election approaches.
St. Petersburg, Florida — Former Florida governor and U.S. representative Charlie Crist has announced that he is “seriously considering” a run for St. Petersburg mayor in the 2026 election. Crist confirmed his interest to the Tampa Bay Times on October 15, stating he plans to discuss this decision with his family, including his fiancée, Chelsea Grimes.
The primary election for the St. Petersburg mayoral race is set for August 2026, with a potential runoff scheduled for November if no candidate secures a majority of votes. Current Mayor Ken Welch, who has held the position since January 2022, is expected to seek re-election.
Crist’s political career spans decades, having previously served in various capacities including as a state senator, education commissioner, attorney general, and governor. If he decides to run, this will mark his eighth bid for public office in the past 20 years. Crist served as a Republican governor from 2007 to 2011 before transitioning to an independent candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and officially becoming a Democrat in 2012.
In 2022, Crist resigned from Congress to challenge incumbent Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. He lost that race by nearly 20 percentage points. His experience and established political network could provide significant advantages if he enters the mayoral race.
Aside from Crist, other candidates are entering the race. City Council member Brandi Gabbard has officially declared her candidacy, while community activist Maria Scruggs has filed as a candidate but currently lacks substantial campaign funding. Though Welch has not yet filed for re-election, he has begun campaign activities and will likely be a formidable candidate given his incumbent status.
Should Crist choose to run, he would face Welch, a candidate he has previously endorsed. However, Crist’s potential candidacy is generating concern within Welch’s support base, as many are taken aback by Crist’s decision to run against a former ally.
The political environment in St. Petersburg is evolving, especially with predictions of higher voter turnout in the 2026 election, an even-numbered year, potentially influencing the election results. Nonetheless, support for Democratic candidates in the city has been on the decline, which presents a challenge for Crist amid shifting demographics and voter sentiments.
There are rising discussions about the implications of Crist’s candidacy for Democratic support, as both he and Welch, formerly Republicans, may split the vote among Democrats. Despite this, Crist has a history of electoral success in St. Petersburg, which could give him an edge in the race. Yet, he faces skepticism over his administrative capabilities compared to those of Welch, who has built experience in the role of mayor.
The unfolding political landscape in St. Petersburg will be crucial to monitor as the election approaches, with Crist’s potential entry adding an unpredictable dimension to the mayoral contest.
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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.
