St. Petersburg, FL – A veteran Florida politician is launching a new campaign that shifts his focus from state and federal roles to local leadership.
Former governor Charlie Crist has officially entered the 2026 mayoral race in St Petersburg after filing the required paperwork with city officials.
The move marks a return to public office at the municipal level for Crist, who previously served as governor from 2007 to 2011 and later represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Crist said his decision to run is tied to his connection to the city, where he was raised and began his political career. .
He indicated that the mayoral role would allow him to focus on issues affecting local residents, including economic development, infrastructure and community planning.
The race is expected to include multiple candidates. Incumbent mayor Ken Welch has already filed for reelection, and additional challengers have also entered the contest.
The election is scheduled for August 2026, with a runoff election later in the year if no candidate receives a majority of the vote.
Crist enters the race with extensive political experience and name recognition across Florida.
Campaign filings indicate he has begun organizing fundraising efforts and outreach ahead of the election.
Officials have not reported any legal issues related to the campaign filing, as the process follows standard election procedures.
The race is expected to develop further as candidates outline their platforms and engage with voters in the months leading up to the election