St. Petersburg Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Charlie Crist
Candidate for Mayor
Charlie Crist is running for mayor of St. Petersburg in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Ken Welch.
Voter registration deadline · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayFormer Florida governor, attorney general, education commissioner and U.S. representative. He also served in the Florida Legislature.
- Campaign website
- charliecrist.com
In the Aug. 18 primary, Charlie Crist received 35% and Ken Welch 20.5% in a six-candidate mayoral field; since neither topped 50%, both advanced to Nov. 3. St. Pete Catalyst · Aug 19, 2026
Charlie Crist and Ken Welch are scheduled to meet in a televised debate hosted by Bay News 9 on Oct. 13. Axios Tampa Bay · Sep 28, 2026
Where Charlie Crist stands: positions on the record
Property taxes1 sourced position
Pledges to cut the city's operating tax rate by 0.40 mills, from 6.4525 to 6.0525, in his first budget, returning about $14.8 million a year.
“As Mayor, I will reduce the City of St. Petersburg’s operating millage rate by 0.40 mills — from 6.4525 to 6.0525 — in my first budget.”
Own statementCharlie Crist for Mayor
Electric utility1 sourced position
Said a city-owned electric utility replacing Duke Energy is not a good idea, citing a Duke-commissioned study putting the cost as high as $4 billion.
“I don't think it's a good idea”
Forum answerAxios Tampa Bay · Sep 28, 2026
Gas Plant site1 sourced position
as reported by the Tampa Bay Times; not a direct quote
Said he would review all proposals and set up a task force to examine Mayor Welch's developer selection process.
Own statementTampa Bay Times · Aug 30, 2026
Flood bond1 sourced position
as reported by the Tampa Bay Times; not a direct quote
Said he was "leaning maybe yes" on the city referendum to create a new property tax to speed up stormwater, sewage and water projects.
“leaning maybe yes”
Own statementTampa Bay Times · Aug 30, 2026
Water bills1 sourced position
Says he will make full deployment of digital water meters (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) an immediate priority.
“As Mayor, I will make full AMI deployment an immediate priority.”
Own statementCharlie Crist for Mayor
Tampa Bay Rays1 sourced position
Says he will work to keep the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.
“As Mayor, I will work to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg, where they belong.”
Own statementCharlie Crist for Mayor
Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for Governor in 2022 as a Democratic candidate (lost).
Own statementFlorida Division of Elections · Nov 8, 2022
Also running for Mayor
- Ken Welch (incumbent)
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