Charlie Crist Wins St. Petersburg Mayoral Runoff Election

Charlie Crist won the mayoral runoff election in St. Petersburg, defeating incumbent Mayor Ken Welch. Unofficial results with 95% of precincts reporting show Crist leading 62% to 38%.

The campaign focused on infrastructure, housing affordability, and the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site after the Tampa Bay Rays decided to build a new stadium in Tampa. Crist criticized Welch for a "bloated government" and a lackluster response to two hurricanes, proposing property tax cuts funded by the elimination of city positions. Welch defended his record and questioned the specificity of Crist's pledges.

Crist, a former Florida governor and congressman, characterized the nonpartisan race as a unifying experience. He indicated he may re-bid the redevelopment project for the Historic Gas Plant District, a project Welch had previously awarded to The Burg Bid.