ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A veteran Florida politician who has held offices at both state and federal levels is now setting his sights on leading his hometown as mayor.
Charlie Crist, 69, submitted campaign documents this week to pursue the mayor’s seat in St. Petersburg, marking another chapter in a political journey that has seen him change party affiliations multiple times. Throughout his decades-long career, Crist has identified as Republican, Democrat, and independent at different points.
The politician’s resume includes serving as Florida’s governor under the Republican banner from 2007 through 2011, followed by three terms as a Democratic congressman representing the area until 2022. His recent electoral efforts proved unsuccessful, including a 2022 gubernatorial challenge against Republican Ron DeSantis and a 2014 attempt to unseat then-Governor Rick Scott, both as a Democratic candidate.
Crist will compete against incumbent Ken Welch, who made history as St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor and is seeking another term. Notably, Crist had previously supported Welch’s initial campaign for the position. The mayoral contest operates as a nonpartisan election, with approximately six other contenders currently in the field.
The city, located across Tampa Bay from Tampa, ranks among Florida’s more liberal municipalities and consistently elects Democratic candidates to various positions. During a previous interview last autumn, Crist emphasized his deep connections to the community, highlighting his graduation from St. Petersburg High School and his congressional representation of the region.
“St. Petersburg is a very special place to me. It’s home,” Crist said.
Crist’s political biography spans numerous roles and party switches throughout Florida government. His early career included positions as state senator, education commissioner, and Florida attorney general, all while serving as a Republican. Multiple unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaigns dot his record, including a 2010 independent bid against Marco Rubio, who now serves as U.S. Secretary of State. He once earned the nickname “chain-gang Charlie” for implementing programs requiring prisoners to perform highway cleanup duties.
During his congressional tenure, Crist cast votes to impeach President Donald Trump on two occasions during Trump’s initial presidency. His most recent statewide campaign ended in defeat when DeSantis secured approximately 59% of the gubernatorial vote against him.
Meanwhile, Welch has indicated his concentration remains on mayoral duties. St. Petersburg recently faced significant challenges, including damage from back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team’s sale, and persistent problems with elevated water utility costs.
