Just a few days before voters hit the ballot box on Tuesday, St. Petersburg will be the candidate for mayor Ken What still lands endorsements, this time from the national civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Crump, who aided the former Pinellas County Commissioner Thursday, has represented families across the country in high-profile police brutality cases, including George Floyd, Jacob Blake, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Tray of Martin. He is nationwide as the attorney for cases related to the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Ken Welch is the leader St. Petersburg needs at this point in its history. Inclusive progress requires collaboration and the ability to lead change. Ken has been such a leader in many areas, including judicial reform. ”Crump said in a statement announcing his support.
“As chairman of the commission in 2018, after the murder of Brandis McGlockton, introduced a district resolution to reform Florida’s Stand your Ground Law, and has led the creation of successful distraction programs for adults and youth in Pinellas. This is leadership and progress and I am proud to support Ken Welch as Mayor of St. Petersburg, ”he added.
Crump was also on the McGlockton case after the 28-year-old man was fatally shot in a Clearwater parking lot in 2018. Michael drakeHe was not initially charged with Florida’s Stand your Ground law, but was later charged and convicted of manslaughter in 2019. He is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.
The approval is a huge win in the race for Welch, who, as the best black candidate, tries not to share the city’s crucial African-American voice with the former city councilor Wengay Newton.
“Ben’s support is humbling. He is a man who has worked his entire professional life to strengthen communities across our country through his work and representation, “Welch said of the affirmation. “Progress together isn’t just going to happen here in St. Pete – it takes character, leadership, and informed decisions. I am proud that Ben is an Inclusive Progress Partner and look forward to helping St. Pete strengthen as Mayor. “
Welch is running to replace the incumbent mayor Rick Crisis man, who resigns from office due to term restrictions and supported Welch as his successor. In addition to Newton, he meets city council members Robert Schwarzmon and Darden ricethat query at No. 2 and 3, respectively. A handful of other candidates are running as well, but none have received double-digit support in polls.
In Tuesday’s primaries, the top two general votes will rise on November 2nd, provided that no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, a high probability given the overcrowded field.
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