Pastor Louis Murphy oversees the largest African-American congregation in Pinellas County.

ST. PETERSBURG – The Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Sr., senior pastor at Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church has officially endorsed Mayor Rick Kriseman for re-election.

Murphy, a prominent faith leader who oversees the largest African-American congregation in Pinellas County, has pointed towards the direction of state and national politics as the reason for his endorsement.

Many other local leaders have stressed the importance of re-electing a progressive mayor like Kriseman who will stand up to national figures like President Donald Trump, according to the Kriseman campaign.

“I am proud to support Rick Kriseman for mayor. As mayor, Rick has worked hard to reduce crime and make our community safer. He has brought jobs and economic development to St. Pete, and invested heavily in our young people. Now more than ever, it is critical that we elect leaders like Rick Kriseman who will stand up to attacks from Tallahassee and Washington, and continue fighting for our community,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s endorsement comes at a time when the Kriseman campaign says it has been building significant grassroots momentum with support from progressive activists around the state.

“I’m humbled by the support of such a respected and influential faith leader in our community. Pastor Murphy is a tireless advocate for his congregation and for families and children throughout our city. His guidance has helped me be a better mayor and has helped to improve the lives of so many in our community. I look forward to continuing to work with him on the 2020 plan for poverty reduction and opportunity creation, and ensuring that ‘a New Deal’ for St. Pete becomes a reality,” Kriseman said.

For information about Kriseman, go to krisemanformayor.com.

Rick Kriseman | Pastor Louis Murphy | Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church | Politics | Elections | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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