As the race heads into its final weeks, four current and former county officials from other regions in Florida are endorsing St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch’s bid for re-election.

Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller, Miami-Dade County Commission Vice Chair Kionne McGhee, Palm Beach County Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr. and Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox announced their support for Welch’s re-election, citing his leadership and record at City Hall.

“Ken Welch leads with his heart,” Miller said. “He listens, treats everyone with dignity and never forgets that every decision affects real families. Through historic storms, housing challenges and everyday issues facing residents, he has remained focused on doing what is right for the people he serves. That is why I am proud to support his re-election.” 

McGhee praised Welch for his attention to neighborhood investment and economic opportunity.

“Mayor Ken Welch has shown what servant leadership looks like,” McGhee said. “He brings people together, solves problems and keeps his focus where it belongs: on creating opportunity and strengthening neighborhoods. Florida needs more leaders like Ken, and I am proud to endorse him.”  

Maddox said Welch has guided the city through significant challenges with integrity.

“Mayor Welch understands that strong communities are built through trust, collaboration and a commitment to leaving no neighborhood behind,” Maddox said. “He has led St. Petersburg through significant challenges with integrity and a steady hand while continuing to deliver meaningful progress for residents. I am proud to support his re-election and the work he is doing to move St. Petersburg forward.” 

Powell said Welch is a steady leader.

“Ken Welch brings both conviction and competence to the mayor’s office,” Powell said. “He does the hard work, brings people together and remains focused on solutions, even when the politics get loud. St. Petersburg needs a mayor who puts progress ahead of political performance, and I’m proud to support Ken’s re-election.” 

Welch welcomed the endorsements.

“I have long admired these Commissioners for their commitment to public service,” Welch said. “Their leadership has strengthened communities across Florida, and I am honored to have their support as we continue building a stronger St. Petersburg for every resident.” 

The new endorsements add to support for Welch from state Rep. Michele Rayner, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, former state Sen. Arthenia Joyner and several current and former St. Petersburg City Council members.

Welch has also earned support from Equality Florida, the Service Employees International Union, the Stonewall Democrats, the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters and the Police Benevolent Association.

The support comes as a recent St. Pete Polls survey placed Crist first with more than 34% support, followed by Welch at 19% and City Council Member Brandi Gabbard at 15%. Crist also holds a significant financial advantage over the rest of the field, which also includes businessman Kevin Batdorf, former Fire Chief Jim Large and community advocate Maria Scruggs.

Early voting begins Aug. 8 and runs through Aug. 16, with Election Day set for Aug. 18. 

A candidate who receives more than 50% will win outright. Otherwise, the top two finishers advance to the Nov. 3 General Election.

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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.