Rene Flowers, Frank Peterman, Marlene Shaw back Trevor Mallory in St. Pete District 6 race

Three current and former elected officials are supporting Trevor Mallory in the race for St. Petersburg City Council, District 6.

Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, former state Representative and City Council Member Frank Peterman, and Gulfport City Council Member Marlene Shaw are backing Mallory in the crowded race for St. Petersburg City Council District 6.

Flowers, whose County Commission district includes District 6, cited Mallory’s leadership as reason for her support.

“District 6 needs a well rounded leader who will support the thriving ventures downtown, possess a keen business acumen all while focusing on the inner core of St. Petersburg,” Flowers said. “Trevor Mallory is the right choice and the best choice for the District 6 St. Petersburg City Council seat.”

Peterman noted Mallory’s emphasis on affordable housing as reason for the endorsement.

“During my time on the St. Petersburg City Council, I learned what works,” Peterman said. “What I see is clear: Trevor Mallory is the best choice in this election. He has been hard at work building the future of St. Petersburg for years. Right now, when the cost of living is a top concern, Trevor is exactly the right person to meet the moment. Vote Trevor Mallory for City Council.” 

Mallory’s campaign highlighted that Peterman, who was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and served in the Florida House, started his career in the same St. Petersburg City Council seat where Mallory is running today. Peterman’s endorsement gives Mallory support from a second former District 6 representative, following an earlier endorsement from former District 6 City Council Member Karl Nurse.

Mallory’s campaign has also been endorsed by Gulfport City Council Members Nancy Earley and Jennifer Daunch, former Gulfport City Council Member April Thanos, Florida Democratic Black Caucus President Armando Grundy-Gomes, Dr. Basha Jordan, Torrie Jasuwan, Pastor Manuel Sykes and Pastor G. Gregg Murray.

The latest endorsements come as Mallory holds the strongest current cash position in the race, leading a field that also includes Terri Balliet, Linsey Grove, Doug Homeyer and Jameka Williams.

Balliet remains the race’s overall fundraising leader, with nearly $49,000 raised to date, but has spent about $37,500. Mallory follows with nearly $33,000 raised overall, but he leads in cash on hand with just over $13,500 in expenditures to date, giving him $19,000 remaining.

Grove has raised nearly $27,000 and spent about $14,000. Homeyer has raised over $11,500 and spent about $4,500, while Williams has raised over $6,500 and spent over $3,500. All numbers are current as of June 26 except for those of Williams, who has only filed reports through June 12.

Mallory is President of Neighborhood Home Solutions, a nonprofit community development organization focused on homeownership. A Lakewood High School graduate, he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays out of high school before returning to St. Petersburg.

He later worked as a horticulture specialist for the city’s Parks Department, built local businesses and served on city boards including the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Citizen Redistricting Commission and Affordable Housing Lot Disposition Committee.

The city’s Primary is Aug. 18, with the General Election scheduled for Nov. 3.