Discovery Insights Elections Candidates Calendar Watchlist

Democrat

Charlie Crist

Visit Website

Facebook

Instagram

Democrat

Charlie Crist

Website

St. Petersburg Mayoral Election

$17.1K

AUG 19, 2026

General Election

Voters choose the office holder.

Overview

Current roleFormer U.S. Representative

PartyDemocratic

Political ideologyModerate Democrat

GenderMale

LocationFlorida

BackgroundPolitician

EducationFlorida State University (B.A./undergraduate degree, 1978)

Notable personal detailsCharles Joseph “Charlie” Crist Jr. is an American politician from St. Petersburg, Florida who served as the 44th Governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011. He previously served in the Florida Senate, as Florida Commissioner of Education, and as Florida Attorney General, and later represented Florida’s 13th congressional district in the U.S. House. He earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.

SourcesShow

nga.org en.wikipedia.org wikidata.org charliecrist.com es.wikipedia.org floridamemory.com apnews.com britannica.com politifact.com axios.com time.com en-academic.com ru.ruwiki.ru wusf.org cbsnews.com nprillinois.org ontheissues.org health.wusf.usf.edu floridaphoenix.com opencampaign.com newsmax.com americasvoice.org floridapolitics.com wptv.com lcv.org edf.org grist.org breitbart.com abcnews.go.com instagram.com tampabay.com tbbwmag.com wmnf.org floridianpress.com thehill.com facebook.com history.house.gov govinfo.gov clerk.house.gov whitehouse.gov developer.ballotpedia.org legislation.ballotpedia.org fec.gov disclosures-clerk.house.gov cha.house.gov congress.gov commons.wikimedia.org pt.wikipedia.org foreign.senate.gov

Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

Charlie Crist’s record on taxes includes both supporting tax cuts (he has touted large property-tax cuts) and signing tax and fee increases as governor in 2009 to balance the budget; his statements leave open the possibility of future tax increases if necessary. His recent campaign rhetoric criticizes opponents’ tax policies while emphasizing relief for homeowners and the middle class, but does not present a single consistent high-level tax philosophy. Overall the evidence shows a mixed record of tax-cutting and tax/fee increases rather than a clear progressive or conservative tax stance.

Healthcare

Supports expanding Medicaid in Florida and strengthening the Affordable Care Act; backs measures to lower prescription drug costs and expand access to care. Advocates using federal funds to expand coverage and supports allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Immigration & Border

Supports creating legal pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including backing legislation to provide Dreamers and certain temporary protected-status holders a pathway to citizenship; frames immigration reform as a humane and economic policy. Has expressed opposition to large-scale mass deportations and supported measures that protect Dreamers.

Abortion & Reproductive Rights

The candidate supports abortion access and has pledged to protect reproductive freedom in Florida, including signing an executive order on day one to guard abortion rights. His public record includes votes and vetoes that opposed restrictions (e.g., opposing a 24-hour waiting period and opposing a 20-week ban) and he has cited pro-choice ratings from reproductive-rights groups. He has also used language describing himself as "pro-life" in the past but in recent campaigns has positioned himself in favor of protecting abortion access from state restrictions.

Climate & Energy

Supports climate action and clean energy expansion, including renewable energy incentives and state-level emissions targets; has opposed offshore drilling near Florida’s coasts and promoted Everglades restoration and solar programs. Record includes executive orders and policies as governor to reduce greenhouse gases, increase energy efficiency, and promote renewables. Positions endorse market-based and regulatory steps to address climate risks rather than rejecting fossil-fuel transition policies outright.

Public Safety & Guns

Charlie Crist has shifted from earlier pro-gun positions to support expanded background checks and review of certain Florida gun laws; he has received opposition from the NRA and support from gun-safety groups. He favors some gun-safety measures while not advocating for complete abolition of gun ownership rights.

News

AINews Summary

Last updatedJan 19, 2026

The provided news summaries focus on Adam Johnson—known for carrying Nancy Pelosi’s lectern/podium during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot—running for a Manatee County Commissioner seat in Florida after being arrested and later pardoned. Charlie Crist is not mentioned in these items, and no developments directly involving him are included in the provided summaries.

nga.org+48

Articles

HHerald-Tribune7 months ago