Challenger Rick Kriseman easily won the mayor's race Tuesday, leading a progressive slate of City Council candidates to a decisive victory in St. Petersburg elections.
Kriseman, a former Democratic state lawmaker, beat incumbent Mayor Bill Foster by 12 points, though polls had predicted a tight race.
“I’m surprised by the margin,” said Kriseman, who was swarmed by supporters at NOVA 535, where the returns were tracked on a large screen behind the bar. “This just shows how much the community is asking for change.”
Kriseman took 56 percent of the vote to Foster’s 44 percent, according to unofficial results by the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.
Incumbents Karl Nurse and Jim Kennedy easily held on to their seats, while newcomers Darden Rice and Amy Foster won their races.
In his victory speech, Kriseman said that voters sent a clear message Tuesday night: “We must move forward together as a community, and City Hall must lead by example. Now is the time for unity.”
"We need to get away from saying no to everything and work toward yes," he said.
Although the race was supposed to be nonpartisan, Democrats clearly were claiming victory Tuesday night, too, with a Who’s Who list of party leaders at Kriseman’s watch party.
NOVA 535 was packed with politicos and partygoers who were decidedly upbeat before the polls closed at 7 p.m. The Bay Kings Band was offering a fine and appropriate rendition of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and other soulful tunes in the open-air patio.
Hip, upbeat, a blend of old and young and a diverse group of people filled the indoor venue to sample the appetizers and watch the results stream on a large screen. U.S. House candidate Alex Sink, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Commissioner Charlie Justice were among the well-wishers.
“What impressed me about Rick Kriseman is his ability to connect with people,” said Tony Carreno, who had volunteered for Kriseman’s campaign.
Kriseman told supporters that the "progressive-minded" candidates had won their races. But he also reached out to voters who had supported Foster, saying "I am eager to earn your trust."
Council member Steve Kornell, who was at NOVA 535, said that he believes the new mayor and Council members will usher in an era at City Hall that will be more oriented toward problem-solving.
“The Council and mayor will be much more responsive. That’s what people want,” said Kornell, adding that he feels excited for his district and the mayor-elect’s willingness to address neighborhood-level issues.
Council member Wengay Newton joined Kriseman on stage, when the candidate declared victory and thanked his family and supporters.
Newton said afterward that Foster had ignored the needs of the city and its residents outside of downtown.
Newton, the Council’s only African-American member, said that it was a “cynical move” by Foster to open an office in Midtown, a black business district, 11 days before the election.
“He was not a presence there prior to that,” said Newton, noting that Foster also held his election watch party at the Manhattan Casino in Midtown.
Said Newton: “How ironic that the second and last time he comes to Midtown as the mayor is when he gets defeated.”
Foster told reporters Tuesday night that he is out of politics after his defeat and will not seek elective office again.
Here is a look at the Council races:
• District 2, Jim Kennedy, 62 percent, Lorraine Margeson, 38 percent.
• In District 4, Darden Rice, 55 percent, Carolyn Fries, 45 percent.
• District 6, Karl Nurse, 70 percent, Sharon Russ, at 30 percent.
• District 8, Amy Foster, 67 percent, Steve Galvin 33 percent.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2013.