Ben Diamond, Jim Kennedy endorse Trevor Mallory for St. Pete City Council

Former Rep. Ben Diamond and former St. Petersburg City Council Member Jim Kennedy are endorsing Trevor Mallory in the crowded race for the District 6 City Council seat.

Both Diamond and Kennedy cited Mallory’s commitment to working families as reason for their endorsement.

“I’ve known Trevor Mallory for years and I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about St. Petersburg and the people who call it home,” Diamond said in a press release. “He’s raising his family here, believes deeply in our community, and understands that keeping St. Pete affordable for working families is one of the most important challenges we face.” 

Kennedy, who represented District 2 from 2007 until 2018, is now the fourth current or former City Council member to support Mallory’s campaign.

“I know firsthand what it takes to deliver for the people of St. Petersburg and Trevor Mallory is ready to serve. When Trevor officially represents the people of District 6 on the City Council, he’s going to keep doing what he’s already been doing for years: listening, serving, and stepping up to solve the problems he sees his neighbors facing. Please join me in supporting Trevor Mallory for St. Pete City Council,” Kennedy said.

The new nods of support come after term-limited District 6 Council Member Gina Driscoll has endorsed Mallory to succeed her. He’s also been endorsed by former District 6 representatives Karl Nurse and Frank Peterman.

Mallory also has endorsements from Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, Gulfport City Council Members Jennifer Daunch, Nancy Earley and Marlene Shaw, and former Gulfport City Council Member April Thanos.

He has also received support from Florida Democratic Black Caucus President Armando Grundy-Gomes, Dr. Basha Jordan, Torrie Jasuwan, Pastor G. Gregg Murray and Pastor Manuel Sykes.

Mallory serves as President of Neighborhood Home Solutions, where his work focuses on helping residents achieve homeownership. He has also served on the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Citizen Redistricting Commission and Affordable Housing Lot Disposition Committee.

A Lakewood High School graduate, Mallory was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays while still in high school. He later returned to St. Petersburg, worked as a horticulture specialist for the city’s Parks Department and built several local businesses.

Mallory faces Children’s Network of Hillsborough CEO Terri Balliet, The Hypatia Collaborative CEO and former League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area President Linsey Grove, Benefits Plus Financial President Doug Homeyer and community organizer Jameka Williams.

District 6 includes downtown St. Petersburg, Coquina Key and portions of South St. Petersburg. The city’s Primary is Aug. 18, with the General Election scheduled for Nov. 3.