Charlie Crist Returns to St. Pete Mayor Race

0:00It's April 29th. This is Durham News Today, driven by AI. Former Florida governor, Charlie Christ, just jumped into the race for mayor of St. Petersburg, his hometown. As 69 years old, he's filing paperwork this week to take on City Hall in the nonpartisan election. Christ has flipped parties like a pro over his career, starting as a Republican State Senator, Education Commissioner, and Attorney General. He governed from 2007 to 2011, then switched to Democrat for three terms in Congress until 2022, plus. Failed runs against big names, like Rhonda Santis and Rick Scott. Meanwhile, Cart Mayor Ken Welch, the city's first black leader, is pushing for re-election after Christ endorsed him last time. About a half dozen others are in the mix too, in this progressive Bay area spot across from Tampa that's long back Democrats. Pete Petersburg's dealing with rough patches lately, from twin hits by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, to drama overselling.

1:01The Tampa Bay raised stadium deal and spiking water bills that got folks heated. Chris calls the city home, from his high school days to repping it in Congress, so eyes are on whether his comeback vibe can shake up the field come. Election time.