News Summary
Former Florida governor Charlie Crist is contemplating a run for mayor of St. Petersburg, with encouragement from friends and family discussions pending. Incumbent Ken Welch is running for re-election, while City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard is also eyeing the mayoral seat despite disagreements with Welch. The political race becomes increasingly competitive, especially as demographic shifts question traditional Democratic support. Maria Scruggs is currently the only official candidate. The election, taking place in 2026, could see increased voter turnout due to its coincidence with presidential elections.
St. Petersburg – Former Florida governor and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist is considering a run for mayor in the upcoming election, following encouragement from friends. He plans to discuss this potential candidacy with his family, including his fiancée, before making a definitive decision. The current mayor, Ken Welch, who has been in office since 2022, has announced his intention to seek re-election.
In addition to Crist, City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard has launched her campaign for mayor, reaffirming her commitment to the race despite having previously endorsed Welch. Gabbard has not yet filed any official paperwork to run, but her recent disagreements with Welch during city council meetings indicate a growing rift. She took issue with Welch over a proposal concerning the city flag, further underscoring her shift in allegiance and intentions.
As it stands, the only official candidate for mayor on record is Maria Scruggs, a former president of the NAACP St. Pete branch. The political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, especially with Crist and Gabbard both exploring their options. If he decides to run, Crist would be attempting his eighth bid for public office, having previously campaigned for the U.S. Senate and the governorship. His last gubernatorial attempt in 2022 ended with a defeat to incumbent Ron DeSantis by nearly 20 percentage points.
Welch’s victory in 2022 was significant; he won by over 20 percentage points and faced little opposition at that time. However, with Crist and Gabbard now in the mix, his re-election bid could face more challenges. The demographic shifts in St. Petersburg might also play a critical role in determining the outcome of the race, raising questions about how well traditional Democratic candidates like Crist and Gabbard can perform against the incumbent Welch.
The findings from the recent St. Pete Polls suggest that Welch’s approval rating is below 38%, a concerning indicator for his administration amidst rising criticism over its response to recent hurricanes and issues surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays. The upcoming election, scheduled for August 2026, coincides with an even-numbered year when voter turnout is typically higher due to the presidential elections.
Moreover, Gabbard positions herself as a moderate candidate, leveraging her background as a real estate professional to potentially attract conservative voters disillusioned with Welch’s leadership. This dynamic could set the stage for a fiercely contested mayoral race in the coming years.
The evolving political landscape, highlighted by a strong performance for Democrats in the 2020 presidential election—where Joe Biden garnered over 97,000 votes compared to Trump’s fewer than 59,000—suggests a historical trend for Democratic candidates in the area. However, recent trends indicate a decline in support for Democrats, complicating the pathways for candidates like Crist and Gabbard as they prepare to challenge the incumbent Welch.
As the election approaches, voters will be watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold, particularly as the candidates finalize their positions and campaign strategies in the lead-up to the polls.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: Charlie Crist Mulling St. Pete Mayoral Bid
- WTSP: Charlie Crist Considering Run for St. Pete Mayor
- WFLA: Charlie Crist Strongly Considering Run for St. Pete Mayor
- Google Search: Charlie Crist St. Pete Mayoral Bid
- St. Pete Catalyst: Mayor Reflects on Rays Reelection and Legacy
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.
