In first report since Primary, Charlie Crist grows already commanding fundraising lead over Ken Welch

Former Gov. Charlie Crist has added to what was already a commanding cash-on-hand advantage over incumbent Ken Welch, as the two barrel toward the November General Election for St. Petersburg Mayor.

In the period covering financial activity Aug. 15-21, Crist’s affiliated political committee, St. Pete Shines, raised $41,300. Welch’s PC, St. Petersburg Progress, raised just $1,000 in the same period.

Crist’s cash-on-hand total for his PC is now nearly $275,000. Welch’s PC retains less than $9,000, a difference of about $266,000.

Campaign finance reports for the candidates’ official campaigns are not due until Sept. 4 and will include financial activity covering Aug. 14-28.

As of Aug. 14, Crist also had a cash advantage in campaign funding, with more than $65,000 on hand. Welch carried just about $23,000.

The reports highlight a growing challenge for the incumbent, who faces a difficult path to victory in November. Welch finished second in the Aug. 18 Primary Election, nearly 15 points behind Crist.

A Tampa Bay Times analysis of election results found Crist finished no worse than second place in all of the city’s 84 precincts, while Welch fared no better than third place in 70% of the city’s precincts.

Crist has also capitalized on endorsements from defeated opponents, including Kevin Batdorf and Maria Scruggs. Jim Large, who finished third, has said he won’t endorse in the General Election. Brandi Gabbard, a City Council member who finished in fourth place in the mayoral Primary, has not announced whether she plans to back a candidate in the General.

Overall, Crist has been a prolific fundraiser this election cycle. His committee has raised more than $1.9 million to date, while his campaign has brought in more than $132,000. Welch’s PC has raised nearly $407,000, while his campaign has brought in less than $64,000.

While fundraising is not the ultimate determinant of election winners and losers, it plays a significant role, especially when an incumbent faces significant challenges, as Welch has. Resources are needed to ensure messaging reaches voters, and as a candidate who saw more than 79% of voters cast ballots against him less than two weeks ago, Welch’s path to victory will require significant voter outreach, likely beyond door-knocking and phone banking.