Meet the Candidates 2026: St. Pete Community Connects Ahead of the Primary Election
By: Gracie Glover
St. Petersburg Chamber Advocacy Intern 2026
University of South Florida, Tampa Campus, Masters Student
On August 6, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 330 residents, business leaders, and community members to Tropicana Field for this year’s Meet the Candidates event. With 41 candidates participating across local, county, state, and federal races, the evening offered voters a straightforward way to learn more about who is on the ballot and what issues are shaping the upcoming Primary Election.
The event was co‑presented by Spectrum and the Tampa Bay Rays, with support from Duke Energy, TECO Peoples Gas, and the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber.
Throughout the evening, attendees had the chance to speak one‑on‑one with candidates, ask questions about issues affecting the business community, and network with fellow residents. This year also marked the Chamber’s inaugural Community Straw Poll, which offered an informal snapshot of attendee sentiment on races and ballot measures.
Community Straw Poll Results
The addition of the straw poll created another way for voters to participate in the democratic process while reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to informed civic engagement. While not predictive of election outcomes, the poll provides a snapshot of attendee sentiment.
The following candidates received the highest level of support in their respective races:
- Governor: David Jolly
- United States Senate: Angie Nixon
- U.S. House District 13: Anna Paulina Luna
- U.S. House District 16: Kelly Kirschner
- State Chief Financial Officer: Annette Taddeo
- State Commissioner of Agriculture: Joey Mendoza Atkins
- Florida Senate District 16: Fentrice Driskell
- Florida Senate District 18: Nick DiCeglie
- Florida House District 60: Lindsay Polega-Quigley
- Florida House District 61: May Thach
- Florida House District 62: Kyandra Darling
- Pinellas County Commission District 2: Tim Hughes
- Pinellas County Commission District 4: Dave Eggers
- Pinellas County Commission District 6: Kathleen Peters
- County Judge Group 10: Nick Fiorentino
- Circuit Judge Group 39: Elizabeth “Liz” Constantine
- Circuit Judge Group 44: Elizabeth “Liz” Jack
- Pinellas County School Board District 2: Lisa Cane
- Pinellas County School Board District 3: Curtis Campogni
- Pinellas County School Board District 6: Amanda Lord
- Mayor, City of St. Petersburg: Kenneth Welch
- St. Petersburg City Council District 2: Gabriel Hament
- St. Petersburg City Council District 6: Linsey Grove
Why This Work Matters
The Chamber’s role in civic engagement is simple: help residents access clear, nonpartisan information so they can make confident decisions at the polls. Events like Meet the Candidates support that mission by making it easier for voters to learn about who is running and what they stand for.
The Chamber extends its appreciation to all candidates, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to this year’s event.
Continue the Conversation
The Chamber’s commitment to civic engagement continues beyond this event. As a nonpartisan organization, the Chamber provides resources to help voters make informed decisions and better understand the issues shaping our community.
Community members can visit Candidates Corner for candidate‑submitted profiles, campaign information, and additional election resources.
Upcoming opportunities include:
- Friday Forums — beginning August 28, featuring informal conversations with candidates advancing to the General Election.
- What’s on the Ballot? — a September 29 educational forum sponsored by Orlando Health, offering an overview of constitutional amendments, referendums, and local ballot questions.
Together, these programs help ensure St. Petersburg voters stay informed, engaged, and ready for Election Day.
The Chamber extends its appreciation to every candidate, sponsor, partner, volunteer, media partner, and attendee who contributed to making Meet the Candidates one of the region’s premier civic engagement events.
