BREAKING NEWS: Citing Courage and Leadership Equality Florida Action PAC Endorses Mayor Ken Welch for Re-Election

Citing Courage and Leadership Equality Florida Action PAC Endorses Mayor Ken Welch for Re-Election

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Equality Florida Action PAC, the state’s largest LGBTQ political committee, today announced its endorsement of Mayor Ken Welch for re-election, citing his unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of every resident while leading St. Petersburg with inclusion, compassion, and purpose.

Throughout his first term, Mayor Welch has worked to ensure St. Petersburg remains a city where everyone belongs by standing with LGBTQ+ residents, defending equality, supporting inclusive policies, and fostering a community where diversity is celebrated as one of the city's greatest strengths.

“Local leadership has never mattered more. At a time when communities across Florida are facing unprecedented political attacks, Mayor Ken Welch has shown that inclusive leadership isn't just the right thing to do, it builds stronger communities, strengthens local economies, and sends a clear message that everyone deserves to thrive in their own backyard. Since taking office, Mayor Welch has championed our community, our visibility, and our progress,” said Joe Saunders, Executive Director, Equality Florida Action PAC. “That's why Equality Florida Action PAC is proud to endorse Mayor Welch for reelection. St. Petersburg’s status as a beacon for LGBTQ Floridians and visitors alike is no accident – that reputation was built through community and hand-in-hand with allies like Mayor Welch. This election is about proving that Floridians are ready to reject the politics of division. The road to a more inclusive Florida runs through local elections, and cities like St. Petersburg are showing what's possible when leaders choose unity over attacks.”

Equality Florida Action PAC said Mayor Welch has consistently demonstrated the courage and leadership necessary to stand with LGBTQ+ Floridians during a time of unprecedented attacks on equality across the state.

"St. Petersburg has always been at its best when every resident feels seen, valued, and has the opportunity to thrive," said Mayor Ken Welch. "I am honored to receive Equality Florida's endorsement because it reflects our shared belief that leadership means bringing people together, protecting fundamental freedoms, and ensuring every person, regardless of who they are or whom they love, can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. At a time when LGBTQ+ Floridians have faced unprecedented attacks on their rights and freedoms, we've chosen a different path in St. Petersburg. We've proudly raised the Pride flag at City Hall, defended our inclusive values, supported our LGBTQ+ community, and made it clear that everyone belongs here. While others seek to divide communities for political gain, we will continue building a St. Petersburg that welcomes everyone and leaves no one behind."

During his tenure, Mayor Welch has taken a number of actions to support St. Petersburg’s vibrant and inclusive communities, including:

• Protecting and strengthening St. Petersburg's national leadership in LGBTQ+ equality, maintaining a perfect Municipal Equality Index score.
• Expanding St. Petersburg's LGBTQ+ Liaison in the Mayor's Office to ensure LGBTQ+ voices have a seat at the table.
• Raising the Pride flag at City Hall each year, sending a clear message that everyone belongs in St. Petersburg.
• Championing the installation of the Pride-wrapped City Hall steps as a visible affirmation of St. Petersburg's values of diversity, belonging, and welcome during Pride Month 2026.
• Supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses as an important part of St. Petersburg's economy and community identity.
• Standing with the LGBTQ+ community during a challenging statewide climate, reaffirming that St. Petersburg is a welcoming city for all.

The endorsement adds to Mayor Welch's growing coalition of support from labor organizations, community leaders, neighborhood advocates, and public safety organizations united behind his vision for a stronger, more affordable, and more resilient St. Petersburg.

This endorsement underscores the collaborative leadership shaping the future of Tampa Bay and reinforces the broad coalition supporting Mayor Welch’s re-election, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Senator Arthenia Joyner (Ret.), Commissioner Rene Flowers, SEIU, Stonewall Democrats, St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters and the Police Benevolent Association, Representative Michele Rayner, Council Member Deborah Figg-Sanders, Honorable Charlie Gerdes, Council Member Copley Gerdes, Honorable Pat Gerard, Council Member Jennifer Webb, and Honorable Susan Latvala. Faith leaders, Reverend J.C. Pritchett, Reverend Louis Murphy, Reverend Clarence Williams, Reverend Doctor Katurah Jenkins-Hall, Reverend Sam Picard, Reverend Princess Hemingway, Apostle Clarice Pennington, Elder Ricardo Welch, Imam Askia Muhammad, Reverend John Evans, Elder Samuel Davis, Imam Abdul Ali, Pastor Elizabeth Siplin, Imam Abdul-Salaam Hameed

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