ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has filed to run for St. Petersburg mayor.
He filled out the paperwork Monday afternoon at City Hall.
Crist was governor from 2007-11, then served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017-22. In that role, he represented the state’s 13th District.
He talked Monday about his ties to St. Pete and said he doesn’t consider the mayor’s post a downgrade.
“I would never consider being in St. Pete a step down. I think it’s a step up,” he said. “I think it’s the most beautiful city in the world. My family lives here. As I said earlier, I grew up here. It’s where I went to high school. And I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for St. Pete to move forward faster and better.”
Crist has represented both the Republican and Democratic party, and also served as an independent.
Incumbent Mayor Ken Welch has filed to keep the post. He took office in 2022, replacing Rick Kriseman.
St. Pete Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard has thrown her name into the running, along with community activist Maria Scrubbs.
Kevin Batdorf, Paul Congemi and Jim Large have also filed to run.
The election will be on Aug. 18.