ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Long-time Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch announced on Friday that he will be throwing his hat in what's becoming a crowded race for St. Petersburg mayor.
Welch will be one of four candidates vying for a chance to replace current term-limited Mayor Rick Kriseman.
So, who's running?
Darden Rice
City Councilmember Darden Rice announced her decision to run for mayor this past week. Rice was the first openly gay candidate to run for office in Pinellas County back in 2005. She has sat on St. Pete's council for the last seven years where she spearheaded many environmental initiatives, including universal curbside recycling.
Wengay Newton
Former state representative and St. Petersburg Councilmember Wengay Newton is also running for mayor. Newton forewent reelection for his House seat in 2020 in order to run for Pinellas County Commission, which he lost in August of last year. It's not the first time Newton has run for mayor of St. Petersburg. He challenged Kriseman in 2016 but lost.
Michael Ingram
Michael Ingram, 20, will be the youngest candidate in the mayoral race. The current political science major at the University of South Florida is hoping to become the city's youngest mayor (candidates for Pinellas County need to be 18 or older). His campaign is built around infrastructure, the environment, housing and getting young voices involved in politics.
Ken Welch
Ken Welch was the most recent, and predictable, name to join the race. On Friday, Welch said his priorities, if elected mayor, would include the redevelopment of Tropicana Field, housing, infrastructure and sustainability. The third generation St. Petersburg native has been a commissioner for Pinellas County since the turn of the century, representing St. Petersburg. He will be succeeded as commissioner by Rene Flowers.
