Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman is backing Charlie Crist in the race for Mayor, completing a sweep of the city’s living former Mayors in his bid to unseat incumbent Mayor Ken Welch in November.
Kriseman joins former Mayors Rick Baker, Bill Foster and Bob Ulrich in endorsing Crist. The group spans party lines. Kriseman is a Democrat, while Baker and Foster are Republicans — although St. Petersburg’s mayoral election is nonpartisan.
Kriseman served as Mayor from 2014 through 2021, immediately preceding Welch who took office in 2022. Before leading St. Petersburg, Kriseman served in the House while Crist was Governor.
“I am pleased to support my friend Charlie Crist for Mayor of St. Petersburg. I served in the State House when Charlie was Governor and greatly appreciated that he always put policy and the people of Florida above politics and party,” Kriseman said.
“He made time for me on his calendar to discuss policy ideas and pending legislation even though we were of different political parties. I know he will govern the City the same, always putting the people of St. Petersburg and good, thoughtful policy ahead of all else.”
In accepting the endorsement, Crist highlighted their history working together despite political differences. He also expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support he has received from the city’s living former Mayors.
“Rick and I didn’t always sit on the same side of the aisle, but we always sat at the same table. He loves this city, and he knows what this job asks of you,” Crist said.
“Having every living former Mayor of St. Petersburg in our corner, Democrats and Republicans alike, tells voters something important. This race isn’t about party. It’s about who will make City Hall work for the people who pay for it. I’m grateful to Rick, and I’m ready to keep showing up.”
Kriseman’s endorsement also adds to a string of recent support for Crist from current and former city officials.
City Council Member Mike Harting endorsed Crist this week, becoming the third sitting Council member to do so. Harting joined Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz and Council Member Gina Driscoll in supporting Crist over Welch.
Crist also has endorsements from former Council Member Ed Montanari, former mayoral candidates Kevin Batdorf and Maria Scruggs, and other local political and community figures.
Crist and Welch advanced from a six-way Primary in August, with Crist finishing first with 19,447 votes to Welch’s 11,457. Before voters make their final choice on Nov. 3, the two candidates will meet face-to-face for a televised debate on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. by Spectrum Bay News 9.
