News Summary
Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist is contemplating a run for mayor of St. Petersburg in 2026, marking another chapter in his political career. Crist, who previously served as governor from 2007 to 2011 and as a U.S. Representative until 2022, has not yet filed his candidacy. Current Mayor Ken Welch faces early competition from City Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard and activist Maria Scruggs. As political dynamics shift in the area, the upcoming race could reshape local governance significantly.
St. Petersburg – Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced his serious consideration of a run for mayor of St. Petersburg in 2026. This potential candidacy marks another chapter in Crist’s lengthy political career, as he gauges public interest before making a final decision. As of now, Crist has not filed his candidacy with election officials.
Crist served as Florida’s governor from 2007 to 2011 and later represented Florida’s 13th District as a U.S. Representative from 2017 to 2022. His experience has equipped him with significant name recognition and fundraising abilities. For instance, he raised $1 million in the first 24 hours after securing the Democratic nomination in 2022.
The current mayor of St. Petersburg, Ken Welch, has been in office since 2022, succeeding Rick Kriseman. While Welch has not filed for re-election yet, he faces early competition as City Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard declared her candidacy this week. Additionally, community activist Maria Scruggs has officially filed to run for the mayoral election.
Recently, an exchange between Welch and Gabbard during a city council meeting highlighted tensions regarding local governance. Gabbard raised concerns over a city flag proposal, criticizing the administration for not adequately consulting the city council. In response, Welch defended his actions, contributing to an already competitive political atmosphere.
Crist’s political journey includes several high-profile runs, including unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate and governor, the latest defeat to current Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. His political alignment has shifted over the years from Republican to independent and then Democrat, and should he enter the mayoral race, it would represent his eighth attempt for public office in nearly two decades.
Before finalizing his decision, Crist plans to consult with his family, including his fiancée, Chelsea Grimes. The political landscape in St. Petersburg is changing, with the demographics of active Democratic voters in decline. This shift was evident in recent electoral results, which could impact future mayoral outcomes.
The 2026 mayoral race will coincide with a presidential election year, likely boosting voter turnout. Historically, Welch faced minimal opposition in past contests, winning by considerable margins, but the involvement of Gabbard and Crist suggests a shift in political dynamics as both were previously endorsers of Welch during his last election.
As the political scenery develops, the residents of St. Petersburg await Crist’s final decision, which could reshape the course of the city’s governance in the years to come.
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Charlie Crist Contemplates Mayoral Run in St. Petersburg
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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.
