Gershom Faulkner returns to Charlie Crist orbit, as new Vice Chair of St. Pete Shines PC

St. Pete Shines, the political committee established to support candidates committed to a brighter future for St. Petersburg, is adding new talent to lead operations, with Gershom Faulkner joining as Vice Chair.

While St. Pete Shines has not directly listed an individual or individuals it will support, it’s expected to be used to help former Gov. Charlie Crist, who is also a former U.S. Representative, if he chooses to run for St. Pete Mayor.

Crist has openly said he is seriously considering.

Faulkner previously served as an outreach director for Crist when he served in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Before that, Faulkner volunteered for Crist’s 2016 Congressional campaign. He also served in various roles under Frank Peterman Jr., both when he was a St. Pete City Council member and later as a state Representative. He’s also worked on campaigns for U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, for whom he later served as her outreach director, as well as Betty Castor’s 2004 senatorial campaign.

“As evidenced by our successful fundraising, it is clear there is abundant support for the St. Pete Shines mission. As we continue exploring how best to plan for our city’s future, I’m thrilled to announce Gershom Faulkner as the Vice Chair of St. Pete Shines,” said Michelle Todd Schorsch, the chairperson for St. Pete Shines. “His long history of community involvement makes him a great addition to our team, and I’m confident that with his breadth of experience, we are well-positioned to move St. Pete in the best direction for its residents, stakeholders and visitors.”

Faulkner echoed that sentiment, noting the committee’s success shows community “trust and enthusiasm.”

“Stepping into the role of Vice Chair is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. Together, we have an opportunity to guide thoughtful growth that strengthens St. Petersburg for today and for generations to come,” he said.

Faulkner joined the Marines after graduating from high school and served during the Gulf War. He has a long history of civic service to St. Pete, including stints on the Civil Service Board, the Southside St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area, the city’s ad hoc Planning Committee, the St. Petersburg Midtown Rotary Club and the Neighborly Care Network.

The St. Pete Shines committee brought in more than $725,000 in its first 49-days, according to fourth quarter reports. That includes more than 336,000 transferred from the Friends of Charlie Crist committee, funds remaining from his unsuccessful 2022 bid for Governor.

Even though Crist has not yet announced a decision to run, the large amount of money banked puts him at an immediate and major fundraising advantage. Incumbent Mayor Ken Welch’s committee, The Pelican Political Action Committee, raised just over $48,000 in the fourth quarter, and it retains about $32,000 after the committee’s previous treasurer, Yolanda Brown, allegedly stole more than $207,000 from the committee.

Even if those funds were returned, Welch would still be at a major funding disadvantage.