St. Petersburg City Council Member Gina Driscoll and the Service Employees International Union Florida State Council (SEIU Florida) are backing Gabriel Hament in the race for St. Petersburg City Council, District 2.
Hament is running to replace Council Member Brandi Gabbard, who is term-limited and running for Mayor. Hament’s platform includes lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing options, improving infrastructure, protecting the environment, supporting storm and climate resiliency and promoting safe neighborhoods.
Driscoll, who has represented District 6 since 2018, said Hament would make for a strong advocate for local neighborhoods on the Council.
“Gabriel understands that strong neighborhoods and a strong workforce are the foundation of a great city,” Driscoll said. “He’ll be a thoughtful advocate for the people who call St. Pete home.”
Meanwhile SEIU Florida highlighted Hament’s for union causes, such as economic security, workers’ rights and racial justice.
SEIU Florida represents more than 60,000 active and retired members statewide, including health care workers, public employees, airport workers, janitors, landscapers, security officers, school support staff, nurses, doctors and resident physicians. Nationally, SEIU represents 2.1 million members.
“We believe you share a common vision for Florida, one in which racial justice and the ability to join together in union is central to working families having economic security, rights and a legacy for the next generation,” SEIU Florida State Council President Martha Baker said.
According to his campaign, Hament is running for City Council to help address the issues facing residents, including lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing options, improving infrastructure, protecting the environment, supporting storm and climate resiliency, and ensuring safe neighborhoods.
An Assistant Public Defender, Hament’s work in juvenile delinquency court has focused on helping young people connect with resources such as mental health counseling, school enrollment, job training, and mentorship opportunities.
Before attending law school, Hament worked with nonprofit organizations as an investment advisor representative, advising board members and executive leadership on the responsible management of donor funds and organizational resources.
Hament has also been active as a community organizer on civil rights, voting rights and equal protection issues, including work to expand voter participation in underrepresented communities and support full civil rights for LGBTQ+ people.
He said the endorsements reflect the values built into his campaign.
“I’m grateful for this support and excited to continue building a campaign that brings people together around the future of our city. St. Petersburg’s future depends on strong neighborhoods, economic security and making sure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” Hament said.
They add to already announced support from former St. Petersburg City Council Member Jim Kennedy, who represented District 2 from 2007 to 2018, and 13th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Lisa McLean.
With only two candidates in the race, the St. Petersburg City Council District 2 race will be decided in the November General Election.