After having to wait for St. Petersburg’s municipal elections to shift into general election mode, one candidate running for the District 2 seat has already picked up a key endorsement.
Brandi Gabbard announced Thursday that she has earned the backing of the Fraternal Order of Police Pinellas Lodge 43.
“Talking with her about the past, current, and future of the City of St. Petersburg Police Department I find she has a clear view for moving forward,” said Doug Weaver, president of Lodge 43. “Her commitment to public safety is rational and progressive in order to keep the citizens safe. I look forward to working with Brandi on public safety in the future.”
Gabbard is running against Barclay Harless for the seat currently held by Jim Kennedy, who is term-limited from running again.
District 2 covers much of northeastern St. Petersburg up to Feather Sound, the Gateway and Gandy areas.
The FOP endorsement follows a string of other endorsements for Gabbard, including St. Petersburg Councilwoman Amy Foster, state Representative Wengay Newton, former Councilman Bill Dudley, the Pinellas Realtor Organization, the St Petersburg Association of Firefighters Local 747 and the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association.
“With public safety concerns being top of mind for voters in St Petersburg, it is my honor to have such a strong relationship with our police officers,” says Gabbard. “I look forward to working alongside of them to support the needs or our officers as they continue their commitment to keep our residents safe.”
