The political arm of the National Organization for Women (NOW) is backing Brandi Gabbard for St. Petersburg Mayor.
That gives the City Council member another endorsement in the race against incumbent Mayor Ken Welch and former Gov. Charlie Crist. The Florida NOW PAC highlighted Gabbard’s record on equality, justice, environmental protection and affordability as reasons for its support. The statewide organization focuses on feminist advocacy, anti-discrimination efforts and equal rights for women, girls and nonbinary people.
“The Florida National Organization for Women proudly endorses Councilmember Brandi Gabbard for Mayor of St. Petersburg. Gabbard has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to NOW’s core values of equality and justice for women, minorities, and all people, as well as environmental protection, affordability, and other critical needs for St. Petersburg’s citizens,” NOW member and St. Petersburg resident Ruth Whitney said.
The Florida NOW PAC joins a list of Gabbard backers that includes the Suncoast Tampa Association of Realtors and Activate St. Pete. NOW’s support also comes as St. Petersburg and other local governments prepare for new state restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in local government. Gabbard previously told Florida Politics the city must comply with the law, but has also warned that some programs labeled as DEI-related have real economic and community impacts.
“I am incredibly proud and humbled to receive the endorsement of the FL NOW PAC,” Gabbard said.
“This remarkable group of advocates has a strong track record of supporting and elevating hard-working, highly qualified female candidates throughout the state of Florida. Women bring diverse perspectives, excel in collaborative problem-solving, and consistently prioritize health, education, and social well-being when elected to serve their communities. This is the kind of leadership I have demonstrated during my time on City Council, and I look forward to bringing this same commitment to the role of Mayor.”
Those endorsements have come as Gabbard, a Realtor by trade, positions herself as a policy-focused candidate as she battles Crist, Welch and others.
Gabbard’s campaign has leaned into a platform focused on affordability, resilience, addressing high utility costs, housing needs, public safety, small-business support, transportation, food access, and the future of the Historic Gas Plant District. Her platform includes calls for exploring energy independence from Duke Energy, expanding access to missing middle housing, and reducing parking requirements.
The race has become a closely watched local contests in Tampa Bay. Welch is seeking a second term after a first term marked by hurricanes, affordability pressures and the collapse of a deal for Tampa Bay Rays stadium and Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment. Crist entered the race with big name recognition and a major fundraising advantage, while Gabbard has emphasized her City Council record, business experience and policy platform to carve out her own lane.
The race also includes former Shore Acres Neighborhood Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf, former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large, and Maria Scruggs.
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.