Mayor Rick Kriseman endorses Ken Welch as successor

St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman is endorsing former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch as his successor.

The endorsement from the term-limited Mayor is a significant nod in the upcoming election. Kriseman, a Democrat, stayed within party lines in endorsing Welch, who is a front-runner in the race.

“Ken is a uniter,” Kriseman said of Welch at a press conference Monday.

Kriseman’s endorsement will likely give Welch a boost among Democratic voters, with the advantage of strong name recognition locally. The endorsement also comes at a jab to St. Pete City Council member Darden Rice, who is also a Democrat.

– Kelly Hayes, Florida Politics