Editor’s note: The Times Conan Gallaty and Graham Brink have weighed in on eight local races. Here’s what others are saying about many of the candidates in those races. (Not all candidates solicit endorsements, and in some cases the people contacted by the Times did not provide a response.)

St. Petersburg mayor

For Kenneth T. Welch

When two hurricanes turned our city upside down, Mayor Welch was here. Delivering food and supplies with his wife. Including local hauling companies in a program to remove debris in record time. He’s no fair-weather friend. He was here during the darkest moments, and that matters. Where was Charlie? Mayor Welch has built more affordable housing units than previous administrations. The proposal he has chosen for Gas Plant delivers additional housing. He is leading on YIGBY (Yes in God’s Backyard), delivering more housing. The mayor delivers. — Rev. J.C. Pritchett II, CEO of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida

For Charlie Crist

I support Charlie Crist for mayor because he has the leadership experience needed for the job, because he is a caring and honorable person who loves our city and wants to see it move forward, and because he sees beyond the partisan fog that is so harmful today. When I served as mayor, we followed the charter, which provides for a non-partisan government, and we experienced an unprecedented renaissance in all corners of our city. That approach was abandoned. Charlie will bring it back. He will work with anyone who wants to move St. Pete forward. ― Rick Baker, mayor of St. Petersburg (2001-2010)

For Brandi Gabbard

Brandi Gabbard has become one of Suncoast Sierra Club’s strongest allies on the St. Petersburg City Council because she understands that resiliency is not a side issue; it is the foundation for how our city must govern. At a moment when St. Petersburg is facing aging water infrastructure, stronger storms, sea-level rise and intense growth pressure, Brandi brings the experience, independence and working knowledge needed to lead from the mayor’s office. ― Pat Fling, co-chair of the political committee of the Suncoast Sierra Club

St. Petersburg City Council, District 6

For Trevor Mallory

I’ve been watching this race carefully, and it’s become clear that Trevor Mallory is the best person to represent this District. Residents of the city should be proud to have so many strong candidates willing to step up for this job. …Trevor was raised up by this community since his time at Lakewood High, and he clearly cares about giving today’s children the same opportunities he had or better. He’s been serving St. Pete ever since ― he’s served on city boards, literally built affordable homes for local families, and now he’s prepared to serve on the City Council. ― Gina Driscoll, St. Petersburg City Council member for District 6

For Linsey Grove

I have known Linsey Grove for several years, since we collaborated to bring relationship and reproductive health information to a very vulnerable population of homeless teens. I found her to be a creative, detail-oriented, and pragmatic advocate. In her work with the League of Women Voters, she worked tirelessly to educate voters about changing voting requirements without getting bogged down in partisan concerns. She will make an excellent city council member who will concentrate, as she always has, on doing what is best for her community. ― Pat Gerard, former Pinellas County commissioner and mayor of Largo

For Terri Balliet

I support Terri Balliet because she is fully invested in and focused on our youth, children and families. Her breadth of experience in youth services is particularly notable. Not since Steve Kornell served on council has someone brought her level of experience in youth support and engagement. She would provide a unique perspective and be an important voice on council. She also has experience in organizational management and understands the nuances of budgeting. Terri is a longtime resident who cares deeply about our city and will serve our community well. ― Darryl Rouson, state senator for District 16, which includes parts of St. Petersburg

For Jameka Williams

Jameka and I first connected at an event where she volunteered. She quickly became an integral part of the community. Since then, she has generously contributed her time and talents to multiple events, consistently showing up with confidence, initiative and heart. What stands out most about Jameka is her natural leadership — she steps into space with ease, making everyone feel seen, welcomed and connected. Her strength and passion are evident in all she does, whether socially, politically or within the broader community. Over the past two years, it has been a true honor to know Jameka not only as a dedicated volunteer but also as a trusted friend and sister. ― Charlene Harrison, chief operating officer of the St. Pete Arts Alliance

Pinellas County School Board, District 2

For Lisa Cane

Lisa Cane deserves to be re-elected to the Pinellas School Board. She possesses all the qualities necessary of an excellent school board member. Lisa is intelligent, comes to board meetings prepared and is respected when she speaks. Lisa considers the best interests of all students in every vote she makes. If you want a school board member who demonstrates fundamental soundness, I highly recommend a vote for Lisa Cane. ― Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller

For Nancy Velardi

I have known Nancy Velardi for over 20 years and am proud to endorse her. In my visits to her high school classroom, I saw an exemplary teacher who clearly understands what our students and teachers need to be successful. As the elected president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, she visited most of our schools and is knowledgeable about the entire district. Nancy has spent her career serving students, supporting teachers and putting children’s needs first. She has the experience, judgment and commitment that our community and school board need now. — Linda Lerner, a former longtime member of the Pinellas School Board

Pinellas County Judge, Group 10

For Nick Fiorentino

I am pleased to support Nick Fiorentino for Pinellas County Judge. While I’ve come to know Nick personally through our community, I’ve also heard consistently from friends and colleagues in the legal profession about the respect he has earned for his integrity, professionalism and sound judgment. Combined with his years of legal experience and commitment to public service, those qualities give me great confidence that he will serve the people of Pinellas County with fairness, impartiality and dignity. — Mike Twitty, Pinellas County Property Appraiser

For Zachariah Wade

I served as a team leader in the Barney Masterson Inn of Court with Mr. Zachariah Wade. I could always count on Mr. Wade to contribute to our presentations to educate our fellow attorneys in the Inn of Court. Mr. Wade is also deeply committed to legal education and the development of the next generation of advocates. His community service includes mentoring, speaking to at-risk youth and volunteer initiatives. He embodies the character, professionalism and temperament we need on the bench to ensure every person is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. — Ronald W. Gregory, II, Gregory Law Firm, St. Petersburg

State Senate, District 16

For Fentrice Driskell

In the current legislative climate in Florida, when deciding who to support and who to vote for, it is important that we consider what candidate is best positioned to move St. Petersburg, Tampa, the Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida forward, to support good policies and oppose problematic legislation. What candidate can work across the aisle to bring resources back to our community? Having known Fentrice Driskell for many years, I am convinced that she would be the most impactful in the position as our senator.” — Rick Kriseman, former state representative and St. Petersburg mayor, 2014-2022

For Michele Rayner

Rep. Rayner is a dynamic and inspiring leader. She never backs down from a fight and is always focused on how to help her constituents. I’ve especially appreciated working with her to support our St. Pete community following the devastating hurricanes in 2024. — Lindsay Cross, state House representative for District 60, which covers parts of Pinellas County including St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park