NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 18, 2026Hillsborough
St. Petersburg voters head to polls in six-way mayoral primary
St. Petersburg residents are voting in a mayoral primary featuring incumbent Ken Welch and five challengers. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election in November.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The outcome of this election will determine the city's leadership, which currently faces significant policy decisions regarding hurricane recovery and the future of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal.
Key Facts
- The mayoral race features six candidates: Ken Welch, Charlie Crist, Brandi Gabbard, Maria Scruggs, Jim Large, and Kevin Batdorf.
- A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright.
- If no candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold, a runoff election will be held in November.
- A late July poll of 351 voters showed 45.3 percent support for Charlie Crist and 29.9 percent for Ken Welch.
- 24.8 percent of surveyed voters remained undecided or declined to answer in the July poll.
- Key campaign issues include the city's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the collapsed stadium deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Polling sites were scheduled to remain open until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Who's Mentioned
personKevin Batdorf“Former Shore Acres Civic Association President”organizationSt. Pete Polls“Polling organization”personKen Welch“Incumbent Mayor of St. Petersburg”personJim Large“Former Fire Chief”personMaria Scruggs“Former St. Petersburg NAACP branch president”personCharlie Crist“Former Florida Governor and Congressman”personBrandi Gabbard“City Council Member”