Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker has filed to enter the race for his old job against incumbent Mayor Rick Kriseman.
Baker, who served as the city's mayor from 2001 to 2010, filed paperwork with the city clerk’s office Monday morning for a race that officially is non-partisan.
The Republican had been rumored for months to be considering a run for his old post against Kriseman, a Democrat wrapping up his first term.
In recent years, the 60-year-old Baker has been best known for his leadership in businessman Bill Edwards’ enterprises, including the Sundial retail complex and the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and its push to become a Major League Soccer franchise.
He also had considered running for Congress or statewide office.
Kriseman, a Democrat elected in 2013, was a council member during much of Baker's tenure and also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012. He filed for re-election in December, and has been actively campaigning and raising money.
In a statement released by Kriseman's campiagn on Monday, he already has raised almost $400,000 in cash and in-kind contributions.
In addition to Kriseman and Baker, three others have filed paperwork to run for mayor: Anthony Cates III, Paul Congemi and Jesse Nevel.
The primary election is scheduled for August 29. If needed, a general election will be held on November 7.
