St. Petersburg-based Democratic House Rep. Lindsay Cross stunned political observers on Thursday when she announced she will not run for re-election.
In a statement Cross said she had worked hard over the past four years to live up to the promises she made to the voters in HD 60, which includes parts of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park in Pinellas County.
“I am proud to have brought resources back home to our community to repair infrastructure, improve water quality, create jobs, support the arts, and provide critical programs for hard-working families. Working across the aisle, I am also deeply proud of the policies I helped pass to protect our natural environment, increase affordable housing options, and better prepare for and recover from natural disasters, like hurricanes,” the prepared statement said.
“However, after much thought and prayer, I have made the difficult decision to not run for re-election during the 2026 election cycle.”
Cross’ announcement comes late in the 2026 election cycle. The qualifying deadline for legislative seats is Friday, June 12.
Shortly after Cross’ announcement, attorney Lindsay Polega-Quigley — the Vice President of the St. Petersburg chapter of the League of Women Voters— filed as a Democrat to run for the seat and released a statement that included an endorsement from Cross.
“I’m proud to endorse Lindsay Polega-Quigley for this seat and know that she will fight hard for the people of District 60. Lindsay’s dedication to her community has been evident through her pro-bono legal work, serving some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Cross said. “I’m confident that with her in Tallahassee, Pinellas will continue to have a leader that will tackle the affordability crisis head-on, and champion issues like water quality and flooding that are so important to the Tampa Bay region.”
An environmental scientist, Cross is the ranking Democrat on the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee.
Her resignation comes days after a supermajority of the Florida Legislature agreed to put a sweeping property tax proposal on the ballot in November. Cross voted against the property tax resolution.
Cross also voted against the state fiscal year 2026-27 budget despite helping to secure $2 million to support Shore Acres’ comprehensive resiliency program to overhaul outdated storm water conveyances, culverts and pipes. She worked with Republican Sen. Nick DeCiglie on including the funding in the General Appropriations Act.
Nevertheless, Cross voted against the budget. She was one of four “no” votes in the House.
This is a developing post.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.This article appears in June 04 – 10, 2026.
