Ken Welch re-election bid racks up endorsements from St. Petersburg community leaders 

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch is spotlighting endorsements as he makes his case for a second term.

Welch’s campaign announced support from St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner, former Tampa Democratic Sen. Arthenia Joyner, former St. Petersburg Mayor Copley Gerdes, Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers and City Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders.

The campaign also highlighted backing from the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters and the Police Benevolent Association.

Backers pointed to his leadership on storm recovery, housing and the high-stakes redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.

“In moments of crisis, residents need leadership that is calm, capable, and focused on results,” Gerdes said in a Welch campaign press release. “Ken Welch has brought exactly that to St. Petersburg’s storm recovery efforts, working to help neighborhoods recover and ensuring the city comes back stronger.”

Since taking office in 2022, Welch has emphasized neighborhood investment, economic opportunity and inclusive growth while navigating storm recovery efforts and advancing long-term redevelopment initiatives — such as plans tied to the Historic Gas Plant District and the future of the Tropicana Field site.

Figgs-Sanders pointed to Welch’s approach to the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District — a generational project tied to economic development and long-standing community commitments — as a key reason for her support. A previous agreement to redevelop the district with the Tampa Bay Rays fell apart during Welch’s administration, but those closest to him have voiced support for his leadership through negotiations and place blame on the team.

Welch, like many of his supporters, has close ties to the historic district, and efforts to follow-through on promises made to residents who were displaced for development of Tropicana Field.

“The Historic Gas Plant District calls for a steady hand that understands both the weight of the past and the stakes of the future,” Figgs-Sanders said. “Ken Welch has approached that work with care, accountability, and a real commitment to honoring the community’s legacy.”

Flowers said the next four years are pivotal for the city’s future, identifying economic opportunity, environmental resilience and housing affordability as defining challenges that she believes Welch is best suited to address.

“Mayor Ken Welch has faced each challenge with a focus and sheer tenacity required of a change agent leader,” Flowers said.

“The next four years will set the stage for a future that will restore a land forgotten, bring about employment opportunities that move in tandem with the digital age, prepare for a resilient and sustainable coastline, and provide attainable/ affordable housing for those most in need. Mayor Ken Welch is my choice and I invite you to make him your first choice!”

Welch said the support reflects a shared commitment to keeping St. Petersburg moving forward with thoughtful leadership and a focus on delivering for residents.

“I’m grateful for the support of leaders who care deeply about this city and the people who call it home,” Welch said. “Whether it’s helping families recover after storms or making sure we honor the promises and realize the potential of the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment, my focus is on doing the work, honoring our responsibilities, and building a stronger future for every neighborhood in St. Petersburg.”

The endorsements also come as opposition to Welch heats up.

Former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf recently filed his paperwork to run for the seat based on discontent with Welch’s performance with the Rays’ deal and during recent storms. City Council member Brandi Gabbard, a real estate professional, and former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large have launched their own campaigns to oust Welch, as have perennial contenders Paul Congemi and Maria Scruggs. 

Former Gov. Charlie Crist is also expected to join the race, though he has not yet filed to do so. A PAC supporting Crist’s potential campaign has surpassed $1 million in total fundraising even before the former Governor has officially thrown his hat into the ring.

The St. Petersburg municipal election is scheduled for August, with a potential November runoff if no candidate secures a majority.