The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and Caucus Chapter, the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, congratulate the winners of the St. Petersburg municipal election on Tuesday.  Running and winning as openly GLBT, Darden Rice (City Council District 4) and Amy Foster (City Council District 8), joined champions for equality Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman, James Kennedy (City Council District 2) and Karl Nurse (City Council District 6), who were all endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County.

“I want to congratulate Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman on his victory. I know that Rick will be the hands-on leader that St. Pete needs in tough economic times. Tonight, voters have again rejected the candidate backed by Rick Scott and the Florida Republican establishment. The voters of St. Petersburg have shown Rick Scott and his Republican allies that they have no faith in the GOP’s ability to help middle class Floridians” stated Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant.

“All Floridians who believe in equality have a lot to celebrate in St. Petersburg and in Florida tonight, with this extraordinary win in St. Pete”, says Sally L. Phillips, President of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus. “The voters of St. Pete have just elected two openly lesbian city council members – Darden Rice and Amy Foster. With Darden and Amy on the St. Petersburg City Council, along with Councilman Steve Kornell, there are now 3 openly GLBT out of 7 elected on the St. Pete Council. We are very proud of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, who made sure all their endorsed candidates were successful – and they were.” Ms. Phillips goes on to say “Adding Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith, we are proud of our openly GLBT elected officials in the Tampa Bay area.”