Crist wins St. Pete mayoral race
Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist defeated incumbent Ken Welch with 62% of the vote in Tuesday's nonpartisan election.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
St. Petersburg voters on Tuesday selected a new mayor, ending Ken Welch’s five-year tenure in a decisive 62-38 margin. Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist, 70, claimed the office after leading in all precincts. The result signals a shift in city leadership away from the current administration and back to a figure with deep historical ties to the region.
Welch, 62, conceded to Crist just thirty-six minutes after polls closed. In his acceptance remarks, Welch quoted the Bible, stating that there is a season for every purpose. He described his time in office as a blessing and acknowledged that voters chose a different path to move the city forward. Welch had won the 2021 election with 61% of the vote, a margin that proved harder to defend in this cycle.
Crist’s victory was driven by a campaign centered on nostalgia and executive experience. He highlighted his childhood in St. Petersburg, his role as a high school quarterback, and his previous work as general counsel for Minor League Baseball. While he remained vague on specific policy details, he promised to conduct a deep dive into city issues before his January inauguration. His top priority remains the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, though he acknowledged that a stadium deal is already in place for Hillsborough County.
The race was defined by the collapse of Welch’s legacy project. Welch spent three years negotiating a stadium and redevelopment deal with the Rays, which fell apart following Hurricane Milton in 2024. Crist capitalized on this failure, alongside Welch’s decision to nix a downtown location for the Moffitt Cancer Center. Crist criticized Welch for allowing the team to plan their departure for 2029 while failing to secure a local replacement.
Welch’s campaign faced additional headwinds from hurricane response and administrative controversies. Residents faced high water bills and permit backlogs after the storms. Welch also dealt with criticism over illegal bonuses given to city employees, which he later retracted. In the August primary, Welch finished second with 21% of the vote, barely securing a spot in the runoff. Crist led that primary with 35%.
Crist raised over $2.75 million for the race, setting a record for the city. He secured endorsements from every living former mayor, regardless of party affiliation. His political committee chair, Michelle Todd Schorsch, introduced him as mayor-elect at a celebration at The Birchwood ballroom. The event drew 100 guests, including former Mayor Rick Baker and State Senator Darryl Rouson. Crist thanked his backers and his opponent, praising Welch for running a decent race.
Welch hosted a smaller gathering of about 50 supporters at the renovated Manhattan Casino. The atmosphere was more muted, with attendees discussing other state and national races. Welch said that while the plan for city improvements was approved, the voters did not re-elect the architect. A referendum to create a new property tax for water and sewage infrastructure is on track to pass, a project Welch prioritized after the storms.
Crist, who established residency in St. Petersburg on the final day allowed to qualify, said friends urged him to run after his loss to Ron DeSantis in 2022. He has been based in Minnesota with his fiancée, Chelsea Grimes, since leaving office. Crist cited his coalition-building skills and executive background as reasons he can improve city management. Grimes led a chant for the crowd as Crist concluded his five-minute speech.
