St. Petersburg Mayoral Election
$14.2K
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
BackgroundAttorney
EducationFlorida State University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsCharles Joseph Crist Jr. is an American attorney and politician who served as Florida’s 44th governor (2007–2011) and later represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House (2017–2022). Raised in St. Petersburg, he previously served in the Florida Senate, as Florida education commissioner, and as Florida attorney general. He earned a B.A. 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 back in the Florida Democratic governor’s race, and his ticket recently added Gwen Graham as his running mate to strengthen a centrist message. He is also being discussed in the broader 2026 Florida election picture, where Democrats see some openings in statewide races despite Republican advantages. Recent reporting has also focused on Florida voting rules and ballot access, which could shape the environment around his campaign.
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Endorsements
Endorsers of Charlie Crist for St. Petersburg Mayoral Election
Darryl Rouson
Elected official
Darryl Rouson endorsed Charlie Crist for St. Petersburg mayor.
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