Ken Welch easily defeats Robert Blackmon, will be St. Pete’s first Black Mayor

Ken Welch will serve as St. Petersburg’s next Mayor.

The former Pinellas County Commissioner bested opponent Robert Blackmon. Welch collected 60% of the vote to Blackmon’s 40%, with all of precincts reporting.

Welch will replace incumbent Mayor Rick Kriseman, who is leaving office due to term limits.  Welch will serve as the city’s first Black Mayor.

The General Election had been fairly quiet, compared to the crowded Primary race that concluded in late August with Welch securing the top spot more than 10 percentage points ahead of second place finisher Blackmon, who serves as a St. Pete City Council member.

– Kelly Hayes, Florida Politics