The 2001 St. Petersburg, Florida, mayoral election was held on March 27, 2001, following a primary election on February 27, 2001. Incumbent Mayor David Fischer declined to run for a fourth term, and a crowded field emerged to succeed him. One of Fischer's campaign advisors, corporate lawyer Rick Baker, placed first in the primary election, winning 25 percent of the vote. City Councilmember Kathleen Ford narrowly beat out City Councilmember Larry J. Williams for second place, and advanced to the general election against Baker. Baker defeated Ford by a wide margin, 57âÂÂ43 percent, winning his first time as mayor.