Home Politics No. 2: Ken Welch becomes St. Pete’s first Black Mayor

No. 2: Ken Welch becomes St. Pete’s first Black Mayor

by The 100 Companies

Ken Welch, a Democrat, defeated Republican Robert Blackmon soundly in St. Pete’s November 2021 municipal election. He was inaugurated Jan. 6 (in a private ceremony as he recovered from COVID-19) and became St. Petersburg’s first Black Mayor.

Welch’s election was heralded as progress for the city’s Black community and a new emphasis on equity, a top pillar in Welch’s administration.

But Welch has had growing pains, including the abrupt resignation of his Communications Director, Janelle Irwin Taylor, and Deputy Mayor Stephanie Owens, amid allegations of bullying against Owens. Other departures followed.

Welch also faced criticism for absenteeism from City Hall.

– Staff report, Florida Politics

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