Charlie Crist and Ken Welch Will Face Mayoral Runoff
The St. Petersburg mayoral election will officially conclude on November 3.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Elections
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St. Petersburg mayoral candidates Charlie Crist and Ken Welch are set for a runoff election as residents prepare to cast their votes. The contest will officially conclude on November 3.
Why it matters
The mayoral race centers on the future of the Historic Gas Plant District, including a major redevelopment plan that features affordable housing and a workforce training center.
Statewide Amendment 3 requires a 60% approval threshold to increase the homestead exemption, a target polling currently suggests it will not reach. Passage of this amendment could lead municipalities to reduce local spending.
The players
Charlie Crist
He is a candidate for the St. Petersburg mayoral office who currently holds endorsements from city council members.
Ken Welch
He is the sitting mayor and candidate who has proposed a redevelopment plan for the Historic Gas Plant District.
The details
Mayor Ken Welch has championed a redevelopment plan for the Historic Gas Plant District, a site currently housing Tropicana Field. Meanwhile, Charlie Crist has garnered endorsements from members of the city council as the election cycle moves forward.
Timeline
Vote-by-mail ballots were distributed to Pinellas County voters during the week of September 29, 2026.
The St. Petersburg mayoral election concludes on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the proposed changes to the Florida homestead exemption argue that the resulting fiscal pressure could force cuts to essential city services. These concerns reflect a broader debate over how state-level tax policies constrain the budgetary flexibility of local governments.
Voters in Pinellas County have already received their mail-in ballots to participate in the upcoming municipal decision. The result will determine the leadership overseeing the future redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.
The takeaway
The race underscores the high stakes surrounding urban land use in St. Petersburg, particularly concerning the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant District. Residents should ensure their mail-in ballots are submitted before the November 3 deadline.
What happens next
The mayoral runoff election will conclude on November 3, 2026, when final votes are tallied.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local contests, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFLA.
Live Poll
In the upcoming St. Petersburg mayoral election, do you intend to vote for a candidate?
