St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch officially qualified for re-election on May 27, moving his campaign for a second term forward in a competitive field.
Welch filed his qualifying paperwork Wednesday, joining a crowded race that includes former Shore Acres Neighborhood Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf, former Governor Charlie Crist, Paul Congemi, City Council member Brandi Gabbard, former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large and Maria Scruggs. The election is scheduled for August; if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.
Crist enters the race with over $1 million on hand through an affiliated political committee and early polling shows him leading the field. He has criticized Welch by telling the Tampa Bay Times that St. Petersburg has been “on a pause” in recent years and cited issues such as communication and the failed effort to bring a Moffitt Cancer Center campus downtown. Gabbard’s campaign focuses on frustration with City Hall and draws support from business interests and residents critical of Welch’s leadership.
Welch said, “Serving as Mayor of St. Petersburg has been the honor of a lifetime.” He added, “Together, we’ve made meaningful progress creating opportunities for residents, strengthening neighborhoods and building a more resilient city. While there is more work ahead, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited to continue delivering results for the people of St. Pete.”
His campaign highlighted public safety, infrastructure resilience, affordable housing, storm recovery efforts, economic opportunity and city services as key priorities guiding his tenure so far. Welch has led through events such as the COVID pandemic, rising affordability pressures, infrastructure strain from multiple hurricanes and fallout after previous Tampa Bay Rays ownership withdrew from redevelopment plans at Tropicana Field.
He continues efforts to redevelop the Gas Plant District with staff recommendations focusing on select developers who could help move forward without team involvement; he hopes to secure an agreement before this summer’s election cycle concludes. Welch has received endorsements from local figures including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor; various associations representing firefighters and police officers; several current or former state legislators; city council members; county commissioners; and other community leaders.
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