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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 18, 2026Hillsborough

St. Petersburg voters head to polls in six-way mayoral primary

St. Petersburg residents are voting in a mayoral primary featuring incumbent Ken Welch and five challengers. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election in November.

electionsmayoral raceSt. Petersburglocal government
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Why It Matters

The outcome of this election will determine the city's leadership, with the next mayor overseeing recovery efforts from recent hurricanes and the future of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium agreement.

Key Facts

  • The mayoral race features six candidates: Ken Welch, Charlie Crist, Brandi Gabbard, Maria Scruggs, Jim Large, and Kevin Batdorf.
  • A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright; otherwise, a runoff between the top two finishers will occur in November.
  • A late July poll of 351 voters showed 45.3% support for Charlie Crist and 29.9% for Ken Welch, with 24.8% undecided.
  • Key campaign issues include the city's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the collapsed stadium deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • Incumbent Ken Welch cites his record on affordable housing, sustainability, and crisis management during COVID-19 and hurricanes.
  • Charlie Crist advocates for improved storm response and efforts to retain the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.
  • Polling sites were scheduled to remain open until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Who's Mentioned

personKevin Batdorf“Former Shore Acres Civic Association President, mayoral candidate”personKen Welch“Incumbent Mayor of St. Petersburg”personJim Large“Former Fire Chief, mayoral candidate”personMaria Scruggs“Former St. Petersburg NAACP branch president, mayoral candidate”personCharlie Crist“Former Florida Governor and Congressman, mayoral candidate”personBrandi Gabbard“City Council Member, mayoral candidate”