Equality Florida Action PAC endorses Ken Welch for re-election

Equality Florida Action PAC is endorsing St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch in his bid for a second term, citing his support for LGBTQ+ residents and inclusive city policies.

The organization, which describes itself as Florida’s largest LGBTQ political committee, praised Welch for demonstrating “courage and leadership” while defending equality amid political and legislative attacks targeting the LGBTQ community statewide.

“Local leadership has never mattered more. At a time when communities across Florida are facing unprecedented political attacks, Mayor Ken Welch has shown that inclusive leadership isn’t just the right thing to do, it builds stronger communities, strengthens local economies, and sends a clear message that everyone deserves to thrive in their own backyard,” PAC Director Joe Saunders said.

“Since taking office, Mayor Welch has championed our community, our visibility, and our progress. That’s why Equality Florida Action PAC is proud to endorse Mayor Welch for reelection.”

Saunders said St. Petersburg’s reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ residents and visitors was built through the work of community members and allies such as Welch.

“That reputation was built through community and hand-in-hand with allies like Mayor Welch,” Saunders added. “This election is about proving that Floridians are ready to reject the politics of division. The road to a more inclusive Florida runs through local elections, and cities like St. Petersburg are showing what’s possible when leaders choose unity over attacks.” 

Welch said the endorsement reflects a shared commitment to protecting individual freedoms and ensuring all residents feel welcome in the city.

“I am honored to receive Equality Florida’s endorsement because it reflects our shared belief that leadership means bringing people together, protecting fundamental freedoms, and ensuring every person, regardless of who they are or whom they love, can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity,” Welch said. 

“At a time when LGBTQ+ Floridians have faced unprecedented attacks on their rights and freedoms, we’ve chosen a different path in St. Petersburg. We’ve proudly raised the Pride flag at City Hall, defended our inclusive values, supported our LGBTQ+ community, and made it clear that everyone belongs here.” 

Equality Florida Action PAC also credited Welch with maintaining the city’s perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, expanding the LGBTQ liaison role within the Mayor’s Office and supporting pride-themed coverings on the City Hall steps during Pride Month.

Welch has also received support from the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas, which highlighted his past backing for employment and housing protections, Pinellas County’s domestic partner registry, Pride celebrations and the city’s LGBTQ+ liaison position. 

The latest endorsement also adds to Welch’s support from organizations including SEIU Florida, the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters and the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association. His individual endorsers include Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, former Sen. Arthenia Joyner, Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers and Rep. Michele Rayner.

The endorsement comes as Welch competes in a crowded and increasingly contentious race centered largely on his first-term record.

The campaign has grown more combative between Welch and former Gov. Charlie Crist. St. Petersburg Progress, the political committee supporting Welch, recently released an attack ad targeting Crist’s record as Governor, while Crist and his allies have aired ads criticizing Welch’s attendance at City Hall and other decisions during his tenure. 

Crist continues to hold a substantial fundraising advantage. Based on the most recent reports, Crist and the St. Pete Shines political committee have about $1.23 million combined available, compared with roughly $212,500 between Welch’s campaign and St. Petersburg Progress.

Former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large has about $104,000 available between his campaign and the A Better Burg political committee. City Council Member Brandi Gabbard has roughly $21,000 available between her campaign and Forward Together PC. Community advocate Maria Scruggs has about $1,300 remaining, while former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf has spent nearly all of the more than $4,000 that he raised.

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 Peter Schorsch, the publisher of Florida Politics.