ST. PETERSBURG | Mayor Rick Kriseman has endorsed former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch to succeed him ahead of the city’s Aug. 24 primary.
Kriseman detailed his support during a July 19 press conference at St. Petersburg City Hall. Reflecting on Welch’s decades of public service, the term-limited mayor said the candidate “has integrity, a love for the city, an appreciation of our past and a vision for our future.”
Welch served on the Pinellas County Commission for five terms, during which he led a number of high-profile, LGBTQ-focused initiatives. In 2008, he supported amending the county’s Human Rights Ordinance to include sexual orientation and five years later, reintroduced the measure to add protections for gender identity.
“Ken has been at this for a long time, always on the side of right,” Kriseman shared. “Always fighting for what’s right – and doing so in a thoughtful, deliberate manner. His approach to issues is why he receives such broad support.”
The former commissioner has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and three of the current St. Petersburg City Councilmembers. They include Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Amy Foster and Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, who joined Kriseman and Welch for the announcement.
“Now more than ever – as cities contend with bigger and bigger issues – a steady hand is required to steer the ship,” Kriseman said. “We can’t risk going backwards. Ken and his family have given so much to St. Pete and Ken has even more to give.
“I don’t know all of his opponents, but I do know a few of them, and none of them are as prepared as he is,” he continued. “You know where Ken stands. With Ken there are no surprises. He is consistent in his positions and his values, and he is the same person he’s always been.”
Welch subsequently thanked Kriseman for his support. He noted that he and the mayor have partnered on “critical issues that have moved our community forward,” including housing, public safety and investments like St. Petersburg’s recently constructed pier and police department.
“I’m especially grateful, Mayor Kriseman, for your commitment to equity, inclusion and opportunity for all,” Welch said. “Under your guidance, St. Pete is in fact soaring … I want to move our city to soar higher. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership and your support.”
In addition to Welch, a Democrat, the nonpartisan race for St. Petersburg mayor includes Republican City Councilmember Robert Blackmon and Councilmember Darden Rice, another Democrat who would become the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor if elected.
When specifically asked about his endorsement of Welch over Rice, he referred to his earlier comments. “I’m looking at it from who I think is best positioned and best ready to lead the city, beyond my time,” Kriseman said. “I think of all the candidates, there was a clear choice and it was Ken Welch.”
Following the press conference, the Welch campaign released an ad highlighting Kriseman’s support. The mayor and mayoral candidate also shared the news via social media. View the video and their commentary below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJmx3a5pkEE
Proud to earn your support Mayor @Kriseman – @StPeteFL is on the verge of an incredible new chapter in our city’s history. Let’s work together to take the next step. #PartnersinProgress pic.twitter.com/adsAQdlw6L
— Ken Welch (@Kenwelch) July 19, 2021
The 2021 primary election will be held Aug. 24. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the general election on Nov. 2.
For more information about Welch’s campaign, visit KenWelch.com.
