Democrat Ken Welch (left) defeated Republican Robert Blackmon in the 2021 St. Petersburg mayoral race. Welch is the city’s first Black mayor.
Courtesy of Ken Welch and Robert Blackmon
By Isaiah Sterling
Former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch made history on Tuesday when he became St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor.
Unofficial results showed Welch received about 13,000 more votes than Blackmon in the mayoral election.
Welch spoke to his supporters and declared his victory over Blackmon outside the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum shortly after 7 p.m. when 100% of precinct votes were tallied, The Tampa Bay Times reported.
“This is what unity looks like, and this is what progress looks like,” Welch said. “Tonight’s election victory confirms the desire of the people of St. Petersburg for leadership that will move us forward and not backward.”
Welch thanked voters for their partnership during the election process in a tweet.
Thank you so much, St. Pete. I am honored you have elected me the next Mayor of our incredible city! Because of you, as partners in progress, we will be able to reach new heights.
— Ken Welch (@Kenwelch) November 3, 2021
Thank you again, St. Pete, for believing in our vision—you’ve never let me or my family down. pic.twitter.com/Lkj6P0NbP2
Blackmon acknowledged Welch’s victory at Ringside Cafe.
“We didn’t get the end result we wanted,” Blackmon said. “First of all, I want to congratulate Mayor Ken Welch.”
Blackmon said the unofficial election results show the diversity of St. Petersburg.
He also encouraged voters to make a difference in the community.
“Just do something to make the city and the world a better place. There’s too much pain, there’s too much suffering,” Blackmon said.
Despite his loss, Blackmon thanked voters for their support.
“I really appreciate everyone and all that you have done for me,” Blackmon said.
ABC Action News Reporter Rochelle Alleyne said she spoke to Blackmon in a tweet following the release of unofficial election results.
“…At this point he says he doesn’t have any plans to run for mayor again,” Alleyne wrote in the tweet.
Voters also cast ballots for city council members in district 1, district 2, district 4, district 6 and district 8. Residents were asked to approve of seven charter amendments.
The unofficial results from all reporting precincts are as follows:
Welch: 40,555 votes
Blackmon: 26,499 votes
City Council Members
City Council Member — District 1
Copley Gerdes: 32,697
Bobbie Shay Lee: 28,202
City Council Member — District 4
Lisset Haewicz: 33,238
Tom Mullins: 27,503
Council Member—District 6
Gina Driscoll: 40,956
Mhariel A. Summers: 17,792
Council Member—District 8
Jeff Danner: 29,420
Richie Floyd: 30,253
Offical results are forthcoming and will be announced by the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office.
This is a developing story.
