In 2014, Gabriel Hament was studying for final exams when he came across a video of Charlie Crist announcing his campaign for Florida governor. Crist’s positions on LGBTQ rights and civil liberties caught his attention, and Hament decided to get involved, noting that Crist was “cutting-edge” in his support for, and ingratiation with, that community.
Twelve years later, the former campaign staffer and candidate are preparing to serve together at St. Petersburg City Hall.
Crist defeated incumbent Mayor Ken Welch in the Nov. 3 election, while Hament won the District 2 City Council seat over Courtney Bermudez. Both will take office Jan. 7.
Hament’s introduction to politics came during Crist’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign against incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Scott. Crist, a former Republican governor himself, was running as a Democrat.
Hament was assigned to fundraising in Sarasota, where the campaign was trying to expand its donor base in traditionally Republican territory.
“We were in ruby-red Sarasota at the time,” Hament said. “Crist had already raised a significant amount of money in that area, but no one thought there was enough money out there to get $40,000 to $50,000.”
Scott narrowly won reelection that November, but Hament remained involved in politics, working on campaigns and policy initiatives throughout his twenties.
“The 2014 campaign was the prologue to my 20s which organically set the stage for a decade-long journey through multiple campaigns and policy initiatives and the formation of lifelong relationships with friends and mentors alike,” Hament wrote in an email to Poliverse.
He later attended law school at the University of Florida and joined the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, where he began representing young people in juvenile delinquency court.
Hament remembers Crist’s approach to people on the campaign trail, particularly those who disagreed with him politically.
“He has a gift for ensuring everyone in the room feels valued,” Hament said.
Their reunion comes after a mayoral election that split members of City Council. Copley Gerdes and Deborah Figgs-Sanders backed Welch, while Gina Driscoll, Mike Harting and Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz supported Crist.
The two will also face decisions involving a $600 million general obligation bond approved by voters for stormwater and other infrastructure improvements. Crist opposed the referendum during the campaign, while Hament has made storm resiliency a priority for flood-prone District 2 neighborhoods such as Riviera Bay.
Hament is winding down his work at the public defender’s office as he prepares to take his seat on City Council.
“Politics always begins with good relationships,” Hament said. “It’s always easier to work with people when you start on a positive foot.”
“I have high expectations, not just for District 2, but for the whole city.
“The idea that I will now serve alongside the very candidate who, 12 years ago, ignited my passion for government, public service, and community advocacy is as poetic as it is improbable.”