The 2009 St. Petersburg, Florida, mayoral election was held on November 3, 2009, following a primary election on September 1, 2009. Incumbent Mayor Rick Baker was barred by term limits from seeking a third term, and a crowded race emerged to succeed him. Former City Councilmember Bill Foster placed first in the primary election with 27 percent of the vote and advanced to the general election against former City Councilmember Kathleen Ford, a 2001 candidate for Mayor. In the general election, Foster narrowly defeated Ford, 53âÂÂ47 percent, to win the election.