Rick Kriseman, Ed Montanari, Sun Coast PBA back Gabriel Hament for St. Pete City Council

Florida Politics · Jesse Mendoza · September 9, 2026

Gabriel Hament is drawing support from some of the city’s most recognizable political and public-safety voices in his bid to replace term-limited Council Member Brandi Gabbard on the St. Petersburg City Council.

Former Mayor Rick Kriseman , former City Council Member Ed Montanari and the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association are backing Hament in the District 2 contest, joining an endorsement list that already includes sitting Council Member Gina Driscoll , SEIU Florida , former Council Member Jim Kennedy and 13th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Lisa McLean .

Kriseman, who served as Mayor from 2014 to 2022 after previously serving on the City Council and in the House, cited Hament’s “passion and commitment to public service” in announcing his endorsement.

“He cares about this city, he works hard and he will approach the job with a clear focus on making St. Petersburg an even better place to live,” Kriseman said.

Montanari, who represented District 3 on the Council from 2016 to 2024, pointed to Hament’s attention to neighborhood issues and long-term planning.

“Serving on City Council requires someone who is prepared to dig into the details and make thoughtful decisions on the issues that affect residents every day,” Montanari said. “Gabriel will bring that approach to the Council, along with a strong focus on protecting our neighborhoods and planning responsibly for the future.”

The Sun Coast PBA framed its endorsement around Hament’s approach to public safety and support for law enforcement.

“Gabriel Hament is committed to public safety and to supporting the men and women who serve our community,” Sun Coast PBA President Jonathan Vazquez said. “He brings the steady leadership and sound judgment we need on City Council, and we’re confident he will be a strong advocate for safe neighborhoods across St. Pete.”

Hament, an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit, entered the race earlier this year with a platform centered on affordability, housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, storm resiliency and public safety.

Before becoming a lawyer, Hament worked with nonprofit organizations as an investment adviser representative and served on a school district financial oversight committee. As a Public Defender, he has represented children and teenagers in juvenile delinquency court, working to connect them with counseling, education, job training and mentorship programs. He has also been involved in voting rights and LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy.

He supports the proposed $600 million general obligation bond to accelerate improvements to St. Petersburg’s stormwater and wastewater systems, along with a grant program to help residents pay for storm-hardening projects. Hament has also called for targeted increases in housing density and mixed-use development where appropriate, with affordable units incorporated into projects receiving city concessions.

Within District 2, he wants to expand parks and public spaces, pursue a community center and strengthen the Gateway area’s identity as the city develops its District 2 Master Plan.

The latest endorsements follow Hament’s first-place finish in the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Community Straw Poll, held after a Meet the Candidates event at Tropicana Field attended by more than 330 business and community members.

“This campaign has always been about bringing people together around the issues that matter most to St. Petersburg,” Hament said. “I’m grateful for the support we continue to receive from people who have served this city and from organizations whose members work every day to keep our community safe.”

Hament is running against Courtney Bermudez for the District 2 seat. The district covers parts of northeast St. Petersburg around the Gandy and Howard Frankland bridge corridors, but the Nov. 3 contest will be decided by voters citywide.

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