SEIU Florida is backing St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch’s campaign for re-election with praise for his support for working families, frontline workers, affordable housing and safe workplaces.
The union announced its endorsement at a news conference at St. Petersburg City Hall, where SEIU members and leaders stood with Welch as he seeks a second term.
“Mayor Ken Welch has consistently shown that he stands with working people — not just in words, but through his actions. Our members have seen his leadership during some of St. Petersburg’s toughest moments, from supporting city employees after back-to-back hurricanes to taking steps to improve safety for library workers,” SEIU Florida Public Services Union President Afifa Khaliq said.
“He has ensured working people have a seat at the table. St. Petersburg needs a mayor focused on results, not political comebacks. We are proud to endorse Mayor Welch for re-election.”
Welch said the endorsement reflects his administration’s partnership with the city’s workforce.
“I am honored to earn the support of SEIU and the hardworking men and women they represent,” Welch said.
“Our city’s essential workers keep St. Petersburg moving every day, and they deserve leaders who will fight for affordable housing, good-paying jobs, safe workplaces, and economic opportunity. Together, we have made important progress, but there is more work ahead to ensure that every resident can share in our city’s success.”
SEIU Florida represents 50,000 health care workers, public employees, property service workers and other essential workers across the state.
SEIU Florida Public Services Union represents public workers in cities, counties and School Districts across Florida, including St. Petersburg.
The endorsement also comes as the union’s St. Petersburg units are preparing for 2026 bargaining. The union’s city page notes proposals have been submitted for blue- and white-collar and professional units, with another bargaining session scheduled July 16.
The endorsement comes on the same day that former Gov. Charlie Crist announced endorsements from Democratic leaders. Though the race is nonpartisan, Crist and Welch are both prominent Democrats, making support from unions, party leaders and local political figures an important measure of strength.
Welch has also earned endorsement from the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters, the Police Benevolent Association, Stonewall Democrats, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Sen. Darryl Rouson, former Sen. Arthenia Joyner, Rep. Michele Rayner, local officials and faith leaders.
Welch is running against Crist, former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf, City Council Member Brandi Gabbard, former Fire Chief Jim Large and community advocate Maria Scruggs.
The Primary is Aug. 18. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a Nov. 3 runoff.
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Ed. note: Michelle Todd Schorsch is the Chair of St. Pete Shines, a political committee backing Crist for St. Petersburg Mayor. Todd Schorsch is married to Schorsch, the publisher of Florida Politics.