Democrat beats Republican incumbent for mayor of St. Petersburg

[RandySF]

ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg has a new mayor.

Challenger Rick Kriseman topped Mayor Bill Foster with 56 percent of the vote compared to Foster's 44 percent, according to the Pinellas Supervisor of Elections Office.

Kriseman, 51, gathered with supporters at Nova 535, but was huddled in a back room to receive results privately with his family. A Kriseman worker escorted Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn into the room about 7:45 p.m.

Kriseman workers said he would make a speech at 8 p.m., and he emerged at exactly that time.

"I think voters have sent a message that they're ready for change, and I'm ready to be that agent of change," said Kriseman, flanked by supporters that included council member Wengay Newton. "We need to get away from saying no to everything and work toward yes."

Foster, who was gathered with supporters at the Manhattan Casino, called Kriseman to concede about 7:45 p.m. He then addressed the 100 people in the room who had worked to get him re-elected.


http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/kriseman-leading-foster-in-st-pete-mayors-race/2150994

[ornotna]

1. Sweet!

That's good news.

[Arugula Latte]

2. Very good!

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Woot!

[okaawhatever]

4. Tampa is pretty red isn't it? Or maybe it's the county. I know the military folks there are

typically republicans.

[HooptieWagon]

6. Tampa is solid blue.

Dem mayor and all Dem city council.

[demwing]

8. Tampa city (and Hillsborough County) are blue-ish/purple

The county voted for Clinton, then Bush twice, and then Obama twice.

St Petersburg is in another county (Pinellas), and across the bay from Tampa. The city and county are demographically similar to Tampa, but slightly more blue.

[trublu992]

5. YEssss a wave is starting!

[William769]

7. Kick & recommended.

[Liberal_in_LA]

9. good news