ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The race for St. Pete's next mayor will head to a runoff election between incumbent Ken Welch and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist.
Both candidates did not meet the 50% threshold to prevent St. Petersburg mayoral race from heading to a runoff — with Welch getting 21% of the vote and Crist getting 35% when the race was called.
All the candidates have focused their campaigns on some of the city's biggest challenges, including the future of the Gas Plant District, hurricane preparedness, affordability and utility costs.
Current mayor: Ken Welch
What they're saying:
Welch said after the race Tuesday that St. Pete made it clear — this election is not over. He said he's grateful to every resident who helped him advance to the runoff.
"The playoffs are over, and we're going to the championship game," Welch said.
While talking about facing Crist in the runoff, Welch said, "Charlie Crist has not laid out any plans, no vision. Whether it's the Gas Plant, whether it's resilience or affordability. The people of St. Pete need to know what his plan is. I hope he comes to some debates."
"You can't buy credibility," Welch said about his opponent's campaign spending. "You cannot buy a presence in this community over the last five years."
What we know:
When the incumbent candidate launched his re-election bid for St. Pete mayor, he focused on some of his successes in office, including the rebuilding of Tropicana Field's roof, storm recovery and an affordable housing push.
"We've done the work, we've been present, we've faced every challenge, and we've been transparent and forthright," said Welch. "Now, we had to tell some folks' ‘no,’ and I understand. But when we said we're running on inclusive progress, we meant that."
Welch noted his own standing in polls had been tested due to a few factors — including a Tampa Bay Rays' ownership group that ran out of money. Ultimately, the team is now focused on a potential site for a Tampa stadium and in talks with the city and Hillsborough County on finances regarding the project.
Welch has defended his decision not to commit more public dollars to the failed Rays stadium deal that fell apart after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Welch has led the charge with redevelopment plans for the Trop site without the Rays — which included the future of the Gas Plant District.
Former Florida governor: Charlie Crist
What they're saying:
After results poured in on Tuesday evening, Crist thanked St. Pete residents and said he's looking forward to the months on the campaign trail leading up to the runoff.
"I care deeply about this city and I will do what I can to make it more affordable, keep it safe, make sure that we keep the Rays, the baseball team, here. We’ve got a shot," Crist said.
Crist commented on Welch calling him out after the results:
"I wish he weren’t so negative. He ought to feel good about where he was tonight and ought to be positive. We need more positivity in our city and in our country, and I’m not going to be negative on him tonight because our country and our city deserve better. And I’m better than that and he should be too."
Dig deeper:
Crist has criticized Welch's leadership in the past, saying, "I’m just disappointed in his leadership and I think we need a change."
He contended that Welch mismanaged recent hurricane recovery efforts and failed to keep the Rays from backing out of a city stadium deal. Crist pointed out that St. Petersburg already has a facility built, while Tampa does not.
"If you want to stay in a nice stadium, you don't have to go anywhere," Crist said.
Welch did raise questions about Crist's campaign funding, noting that nearly a third of Crist's $1.8 million total comes from Republicans. Welch emphasized that most of the money is coming from outside St. Petersburg or the Tampa Bay area.
"I don't know how he would govern, but I know when folks make those kinds of contributions, they're expecting some kind of access, or they've got something in mind," Welch said.
St. Pete mayoral candidates
The backstory:
The St. Pete Mayor's race consisted of six candidates in total, including Welch and Crist. Other candidates in the running, included:
- Kevin Batdorf
- Brandi Gabbard
- Jim Large
- Marla Lynne-Scrugg
When is the St. Pete mayor runoff election?
What's next:
While the St. Pete mayor's race isn't done yet, the top two contenders will go head-to-head in a runoff election that will take place on November 3.
The Source: The information in this story comes from Florida Primary Election Night results and includes information from both candidates and previous FOX 13 News coverage on the St. Pete Mayoral Race.