Incumbent
St. Petersburg Mayoral Election
$17.1K
AUG 19, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleMayor
PartyDemocratic
Age61 years old (Aug 15, 1964)
GenderMale
LocationFlorida
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of South Florida St. Petersburg — BA
Notable personal detailsKenneth T. Welch is an American politician serving as mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, having taken office on 2022-01-06. He previously served on the Pinellas County Commission (District 7) from 2002 to 2022. Welch earned a BA from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and an MBA from Florida A&M University, and has worked as an accountant and technology manager.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Ken Welch has supported modest increases in city tax revenue and budgetary spending to fund services and equity-focused programs while also seeking to lower effective rates for some homeowners; his mayoral budgets prioritize investments in public safety, housing, equitable development, and city programs. He has presented and defended millage and budget proposals that increase overall city spending to fund those priorities.
Healthcare
Supports expanding local government-led health services and access, including investment in community mental health hubs and city-funded preventive dental programs for children. Implements programs targeting behavioral health, trauma-informed outreach, and expanded preventive care to improve access for underserved residents.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Ken Welch supported a St. Petersburg City Council resolution affirming residents’ right to make reproductive health decisions, including abortion care, and opposed intimidation over local funding for abortion-related travel assistance while urging open public debate. His actions show support for maintaining access to reproductive health services at the municipal level but do not indicate advocacy for fully unrestricted federal codification of abortion rights.
Climate & Energy
Supports city-level climate resilience and investments in flood and storm protections, has pursued infrastructure to harden wastewater and sewer systems, and has explored municipal electric options and federal funding for clean energy and resilience projects. Emphasizes preparing St. Petersburg for increasing extreme weather and sea-level rise through targeted capital projects and planning.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate opposes permitless/open carry and has expressed concern about loosening firearm rules; public safety and reducing youth gun violence are listed as city priorities and he has received police and fire union support.
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