November 4, 2021
GULF BREEZE, Fla. – Commissioner Ken Welch, a Democrat and life long resident of St. Petersburg defeated Republican City Council member Robert Blackmon Tuesday night in the St. Pete mayoral race. In January Welch will become the first black mayor of St. Petersburg. The Mayor-Elect noted in his victory speech that his father received death threats as a St. Pete mayoral candidate in 1991.
He continued:
“Let me be clear in stating that making history in and of itself has never been the priority of this campaign, nor will it be the focus of my administration….For me, making history without making positive impact is an empty achievement.”
Mayor-elect ken welch
Welch and Blackmon engaged in a forum with the Tampa Bay Times where both shared similar views on housing and climate change. They differed on abortion. Commissioner Welch is a clear advocate of women’s bodily autonomy and healthcare. Councilman Blackmon decided not to comment on things he cannot enforce or enact.
“One way or another, abortion is legal until there’s something else.”
Robert Blackmon, City Councilman
Blackmon says he has evolved on LGBTQ rights, despite labeling himself as member of the Christian Right. And yet Blackmon’s concession speech on Tuesday night was congratulatory, unifying, and a welcomed change from most Radical Rightwing Republicans. After this election, St. Petersburg appears to be in good hands. We Make Florida will keep an eye on Welch’s progress in St. Petersburg.
