Election Day: Former Gov. Charlie Crist defeats St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, 62% to 38%, St Pete Catalyst reports; results are unofficial

L2Who’s affected

Who's affected: St. Petersburg residents, in “a city grappling with Tropicana Field's future, cost-of-living challenges, and drainage and sewer system vulnerabilities laid bare by the 2024 hurricanes” (Axios Tampa Bay). “City voters also approved a new property tax to accelerate upgrades to the city's drainage and sewage infrastructure” (Axios Tampa Bay). “Gabriel Hament will represent District 2” and “Linsey Grove won the District 6 seat” (Axios Tampa Bay, per unofficial results).

L3Why it’s quiet

Analysis · OVERLOOKED A nonpartisan city race decided on a night dominated by House, Senate and governor calls. See the O-Score proof page for which major outlets had it.

L4Deeper impact

Deeper impact: “The 86 acres will become available when the lease for the Tampa Bay Rays expires at the end of the 2028 season” (St Pete Catalyst). Welch “chose The Burg Bid, led by Thompson Whitney Blake” (St Pete Catalyst); “Crist wants to get more information before moving forward on the rebuild” and “could send the entire project back out for bids again” (St Pete Catalyst). “The new mayor and council members will be sworn in Jan. 7” (Axios Tampa Bay).

L5Full context

Full context: Welch “sought a second term after cruising into City Hall five years ago with widespread support — including from Crist” (Axios Tampa Bay). In the August primary, “Crist claimed 35% of the vote to Welch’s 20.5%” (St Pete Catalyst), and “Welch finished a distant second among six candidates” (Axios Tampa Bay). “Crist, 70, criticized Welch’s handling of the city’s recovery from two hurricanes” (St Pete Catalyst); “Welch, 62, defended his record” (St Pete Catalyst). Crist on why he ran: “Because it’s home. It’s hometown, and you know, home is where the heart is” (St Pete Catalyst).

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