Brandi Gabbard, Ken Welch spar for LGBTQ+ support in St. Petersburg mayoral race 

City Council Member Brandi Gabbard and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch are battling for LGBTQ+ support in the upcoming mayoral election, with each candidate touting endorsements from members of the community ahead of St. Pete Pride festivities this weekend.

The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas endorsed Welch based on his record with the LGBTQ+ community, while also defending his response to the state-led removal of five St. Petersburg street murals, including artwork representing LGBTQ+ Pride and Black history. The organization was formed in 2004 by a small group “dedicated to advancing the cause of equality for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.”

Meanwhile, a group of local business and real estate leaders and LGBTQ+ community members have banded together to endorse Gabbard — a Realtor — in the race based on her own record of support for the community and frustration with Welch’s response to state pressure on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

The split reflects tension within the LGBTQ+ community, and beyond, over St. Petersburg’s handling of state policies culling DEI initiatives from local governments. The matter unfolded while both candidates were serving in their current roles, giving each a record to defend as voters weigh how the city responded and who to support during the election.

The state-backed DEI changes stemming from new legislation (SB 1134) have a heavy impact in St. Petersburg, where the city often provides sponsorship and other forms of support for a massive St. Pete Pride celebration — such as the one taking place this weekend.

Local governments will be prohibited from providing funding toward DEI initiatives once the new law kicks into effect next year, but not before voters decide who will serve as Mayor through the city’s transition.

The state’s DEI initiatives also affect city government operations directly, as the city administration has long maintained offices and staffing positions meant to ensure equity for different sectors of the community. That includes a LGBTQ+ Liaison position, currently held by Nathan Brummer. 

The city has taken some steps to show symbolic support for the community, including installation of rainbow colored bike racks on some streets affected by the mural removal and a more recent effort coloring the City Hall steps.

Gabbard, Welch and other candidates recently told Florida Politics about their stance on state DEI initiatives, with most expressing support for the community, but in different ways.

The Stonewall Democrats’ endorsement came with an explicit defense of Welch’s record.

Stonewall Democrats President Laura Gerken acknowledged the mural removal “was painful,” but said the group wanted voters to consider Welch’s history with the LGBTQ+ community. 

The organization pointed to Welch’s past support for adding sexual orientation to employment and housing protections in 2008, along with his vote in 2013 to create Pinellas County’s domestic partner registry. The group also noted that Welch hired St. Petersburg’s first transgender LGBTQ+ liaison, “a position his administration is actively fighting to preserve against state restrictions.”

The group also highlighted Welch’s record of supporting Pride celebrations and advancing inclusive policies.

“These are years of documented action on our behalf, taken when it mattered. Our endorsement is grounded in our mission to support candidates with a demonstrated commitment to defeating homophobia, transphobia, and prejudice in all its forms,” Gerken said in a statement announcing the group’s endorsement. 

“After a thorough interview process, our committee concluded unanimously that Mayor Ken Welch is that candidate. The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County stand with him, and we invite our full community to do the same.”

Welch welcomed the endorsement, saying St. Petersburg’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Stonewall Pinellas and grateful for their partnership in building a city where everyone belongs,” Welch said.

As for the LGBTQ+ support for Gabbard, much of it comes from members of the real estate community and officials whom she has sat alongside with on local government boards.

The coalition of backers includes Pride in Real Estate St. Pete founder Keith Louderback, Lending Strategist Holden Kellerhals, Savvy Mortgage Lending Mortgage Broker Tracie Mayo, LeaderOne Loan Officer Tina Housdan, Mainframe Real Estate agent Bobby Poth, property and insurance advisor Brenna Miller, and CMG Financial Loan Officer Andrew Ross.

“As someone who loves St. Petersburg and has spent years advocating for affordable housing and LGBTQ+ visibility, I am proud to support Brandi Gabbard for Mayor. Brandi doesn’t just walk about community — she shows up, listens, and gets things done,” Louderback said in a video statement announcing the coalition’s endorsement.

Gabbard’s backers argued that LGBTQ+ voters should also consider her work on housing, sustainable development, small businesses and neighborhood issues alongside her advocacy for the community.

“St. Petersburg is at a critical turning point, and our community needs a leader whose support shows up in concrete policy, not just parade appearances. We are proud to stand behind Brandi Gabbard for Mayor because she has been a steady, vocal, and unwavering ally throughout her life,” the supporters announced in a shared statement.

“Brandi has lived through the same storms we have. She understands that climate vulnerability and the affordable housing shortage directly impact our city’s cost of living. Whether advocating for property insurance reform or demanding an actual, accountable plan for the Historic Gas Plant District, Brandi treats our community’s quality of life as a true priority. She doesn’t just talk about community, she shows up, listens, and gets things done.”

Their support comes after Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith also endorsed Gabbard this week, also citing LGBTQ+ support as reason for his endorsement.

“I have known Brandi for several years and have had the privilege of serving alongside her on the Forward Pinellas Transit Board,” Smith said.

“During that time, I have been continually impressed by her dedication to improving transportation, resiliency & sustainability, and advocating for the residents she serves. As an openly gay City Commissioner, I am especially proud of Brandi’s unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and her belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and represented.” 

Gabbard welcomed the support, saying advocacy requires more than visibility during election season and Pride events.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the trust and backing of St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ+ business and community leaders,” Gabbard said. “True advocacy isn’t about showing up when it’s politically convenient; it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder to craft policies that ensure every resident and small business owner feels safe, valued, and represented.”

Gabbard and Welch are running for Mayor in a crowded field that also includes former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf, former Gov. Charlie Crist, former Fire Chief Jim Large and community activist Maria Scruggs. The city election takes place Aug. 18. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two will advance to a Nov. 3 runoff.

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Ed. Note: Michelle Todd Schorsch is the Chair of St. Pete Shines, a political committee backing Crist for St. Petersburg Mayor. Todd Schorsch is married to Peter Schorsch, the publisher of Florida Politics.