ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Former Florida Governor and U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist is officially entering the race for mayor of St. Petersburg, filing the necessary paperwork this week to seek leadership in his own hometown. At 69, Crist is jumping into a nonpartisan contest that already includes about half a dozen candidates, most notably the incumbent, Ken Welch.
Crist’s entry marks another chapter in a long political journey defined by shifts in party affiliation and a wide variety of offices held.
Throughout his career, he has served as a Republican, a Democrat, and an independent. He held the governor’s mansion as a Republican from 2007 to 2011 and later served three terms in the U.S. House as a Democrat.
The move sets up a unique dynamic with Mayor Welch, the city’s first Black mayor, who is currently seeking reelection. Crist actually endorsed Welch during his previous campaign. While Welch has stated he remains focused on the duties of his office, the city is currently navigating several hurdles, including recovery efforts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, rising utility costs, and the recent sale of the Tampa Bay Rays.
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Crist is leaning heavily on his local roots as he makes his case to voters. A graduate of St. Petersburg High School, he has represented the region at both the state and federal levels.
“St. Petersburg is a very special place to me. It’s home,” Crist said regarding his decision to run.
His track record is one of the most extensive in Florida history, having served as a state senator, education commissioner, and attorney general. However, his recent bids for office have seen mixed results.
He lost the 2022 gubernatorial race to Ron DeSantis, who secured 59% of the vote, and previously lost a 2014 bid for governor against Rick Scott. He also made several unsuccessful runs for the U.S. Senate, including a 2010 independent bid against Marco Rubio, who now serves as the U.S. Secretary of State.
During his tenure in Congress, Crist was a vocal critic of the previous administration, voting twice to impeach then-President Donald Trump. As he pivots back to local governance, he enters a city known for its progressive leanings in a race that will likely center on infrastructure and the local economy.
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