St. Petersburg Mayoral Election
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AUG 19, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleFormer U.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age69 years old (Jul 24, 1956)
GenderMale
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LocationFlorida
BackgroundPolitician
EducationWake Forest University (attended)
Notable personal detailsCharlie Crist is an American politician who served as the 44th Governor of Florida (2007–2011) and represented Florida’s 13th congressional district in the U.S. House (2017–2022). He previously served as Florida Attorney General (2003–2007) and in the Florida Senate. Crist earned a B.S. from Florida State University and a J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
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.
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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
Charlie Crist is in the news mainly because Florida is shaping up for the 2026 election cycle, with Democrats seeing some improved polling and broader signs of support from independents and some Republicans. Recent coverage also highlights Florida’s move to tighten voter registration rules, including a proof-of-citizenship requirement that critics say could disenfranchise voters, though it would not take effect until 2027. Overall, the reports point to a competitive but still uncertain political environment in Florida rather than any single new Crist-specific development.
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Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20222022
LatestCycle 2022
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements