Our endorsements for Tuesday’s ballot

Tuesday’s ballot presents voters with some extraordinarily consequential choices, from choosing who will represent the St. Louis region in Congress to statewide measures that could raise sales taxes and make it harder for citizen-driven ballot initiatives to win approval. The outcome of these races and measures will be largely determined by the size and demographics of the turnout. The St. Louis American’s Editorial Board offers the following recommendations on key races and ballot measures.

1st Congressional District

This is a hotly contested race, just as in 2024, when The American endorsed then-incumbent Cori Bush. We believed then that she had earned a second term, and replacing her with Bell wouldn’t make a meaningful difference for the Black community. With two years of experience in the seat, Bell has earned our backing for a second term, but with reservations. 

Bell will have to decide whether his first obligation is to the people he was elected to represent or other competing interests and concerns that helped put him there. We also believe keeping Bell in the seat makes long-term strategic sense should Missouri Republicans succeed in their wish to redraw congressional boundaries in ways that weaken the political influence of Black and Democratic voters in the district. All things considered, we endorse Wesley Bell for re-election.

St. Louis County Executive

In our view, none of the candidates seeking this important position — Brian Williams, Angela Walton Mosley and Jake Zimmerman — gave voters a compelling reason to believe they were the best choice. The campaigns of all three were underwhelming — and that’s an understatement.

Williams would bring limited administrative experience to the office. Still, he has shown an ability to produce legislative results for his Black and Democratic constituents as a Democratic state senator in a difficult, Republican-controlled environment. He also was the only candidate who outlined his goals for the position to members of our Editorial Board. We endorse Brian Williams for County Executive.

State Senate District 14

We are most familiar with his experience and leadership, partly because he was the only candidate who spoke directly to us about his candidacy. Whether serving as a legislator or leading the St. Louis County NAACP, John Bowman has focused on issues that matter to working families. His record reflects years of public service, coalition-building and advocacy on behalf of North St. Louis County residents, both in elected office and beyond. We endorse John Bowman for State Senator representing District 14.

St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds

Years of legislative service and committee leadership as a St. Louis alderman have prepared Shane Cohn to serve as St. Louis recorder of deeds. He sees the office as an opportunity to solve problems, not simply process paperwork. He understands that the recorder’s duties are established by state law and has realistic expectations about what the office can and cannot do. In a generation of urban politicians who are often dismissive, Cohn still does it the old-school way. We trust him as a politician and believe he deserves a promotion. We strongly endorse Shane Cohn for Recorder of Deeds.

Missouri Amendment 1

This measure asks voters to renew the Parks, Soil and Water Tax, a more than 40-year-old sales tax that keeps admission to Missouri’s state parks free and funds soil and water conservation programs. It last appeared on the ballot in 2016, when 80% of voters approved it. Vote Yes on Amendment 1. 

Missouri Amendment 4

Amendment 4 is the latest effort by the GOP-led legislature to restrict Missouri’s citizen initiative process and override the will of voters. It would require citizen initiatives proposing changes to the Missouri Constitution to receive a majority vote in all eight of the state’s congressional districts, making it extremely difficult if not impossible for voter-initiated constitutional amendments to pass.

Meanwhile, proposals placed on the ballot by the legislature would continue to require only a simple statewide majority. It is a major power grab by Jefferson City insiders. Vote No on Amendment 4.

Missouri Amendment 5

Amendment 5 would require the Legislature to phase out the income tax and replace it primarily with higher sales taxes. It would also allow lawmakers to bypass existing tax restrictions for five years and impose new taxes without voter approval. 

It is a reverse Robin Hood proposal that essentially shifts the tax burden onto low- and middle-income Missourians, who spend most or all of their money on food, clothing and other necessities, while benefiting wealthier residents by eliminating taxes on their income. Missouri already has spent years cutting personal and corporate income taxes, with little evidence of sustained economic growth.

Rather than repeating a strategy that hasn’t worked, the state should invest in education, workforce development and infrastructure — the foundations of long-term economic growth, prosperity and competitiveness. Vote No on Amendment 5. 

St. Louis County Proposition U 

This measure would impose “use” taxes on out-of-state online and mail sellers that otherwise do not pay sales taxes on goods sold in Missouri. It helps level the playing field for retail stores.

Vote Yes on Proposition U.