Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist Considers 2026 Run For Mayor

Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Crist Campaigns On Election Day

Photo: Octavio Jones / Getty Images News / Getty Images

St. Petersburg, FL - Former Florida Governor and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist has confirmed that he is seriously considering a run for mayor of St. Petersburg in the 2026 election.

Crist made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that he is evaluating the possibility and plans to discuss the decision with his family before making a final commitment.

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The current mayor, Ken Welch, who took office in January 2022 as St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor, is expected to seek re-election.

Crist previously served as Florida’s governor from 2007 to 2011.

Originally a Republican, he later ran for the U.S. Senate as an independent and joined the Democratic Party in 2012.

After several years away from elected office, he represented Florida’s 13th congressional district from 2017 until resigning in 2022 to run for governor. In that race, he lost to incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis by 19 points.

Following the election, he was nominated by the Biden administration to serve as U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency.

The 2026 St. Petersburg mayoral primary is scheduled for August 18, with a potential runoff on November 3 if no candidate secures a majority.

Crist has not formally declared his candidacy but described himself as “strongly considering” entering the race.

He emphasized the need to consult with his family before making a final decision.

As of now, no other candidates have officially announced their intention to run for mayor.


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