Gabriel Hament is announcing a fresh round of endorsements as he rolls out his first ad in the race for St. Petersburg City Council District 2.
New backers include Rep. Michele Rayner, St. Petersburg City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz and former Rep. Ben Diamond, as well as Equality Florida Action PAC, the Suncoast Sierra Club and the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County.
Hament, an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit, is running against Courtney Bermudez for the seat being vacated by term-limited Council Member Brandi Gabbard.
“Gabriel understands that public service is about people — and that’s what I appreciate most about him,” Rayner said.
“As an assistant public defender, he shows up every day to serve people and make sure their voices are heard. He listens, he does the work, and he understands that leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about being present, being responsive, and delivering for the people you serve. That’s the kind of leadership St. Pete deserves.”
Hanewicz likewise pointed to Hament’s legal experience and advocacy work as strengths he could bring to the Council.
“Gabriel brings a thoughtful, practical approach to complicated issues and never loses sight of the people affected by them,” Hanewicz said. “His legal experience and commitment to advocating for others would bring a valuable perspective to City Council.”
The endorsement rollout comes as a political committee aligned with Hament launches “Moving Our City Forward, Together,” its first ad supporting Hament in the race. The roughly 90-second spot focuses on flooding, housing costs and roadway safety before turning to Hament’s work as a public defender.
Hament says that work informs how he would approach serving on the City Council.
“Every day I stand beside people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I make sure their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and power is held to account,” Hament says in the ad. “That’s the same approach I’ll bring to City Council: show up, listen, do the work and never forget who I’m there to serve.”
The ad also highlights the rising cost of living. Hament says working families are being priced out while some parts of St. Petersburg have gone too long without investment. He calls for stronger storm preparation, more affordable housing, safer streets and trails and additional investment in north St. Petersburg.
“These are challenges we can tackle now and opportunities we can seize today. We can strengthen our neighborhoods before the next storm, build housing people can actually afford, create safer streets, better trails and more places for communities, and make north St. Pete a true gateway into St. Petersburg,” Hament said.
Hament’s endorsement list already included former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Council Member Gina Driscoll, former Council Members Ed Montanari and Jim Kennedy, and 13th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Lisa McLean. The Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, SEIU Florida and Activate St. Pete have also backed Hament.
District 2 covers parts of northeast St. Petersburg, but the Nov. 3 race will be decided by voters citywide.