With his reelection to Congress all but assured, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell spent Election Day talking about what he hopes to accomplish in his second term, including lowering the cost of living, strengthening government oversight and improving disaster relief for St. Louis residents.
Bell, a Democrat representing Missouri’s heavily Democratic 1st Congressional District, won 82.81% of the vote Tuesday, defeating Republican Paul Berry, who received 13.54%, and Libertarian Tom Schmitz, who received 3.65%.
While voting at the Clayton library Tuesday, Bell emphasized the importance of Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“You don’t run to the finish line, you run through the finish line,” Bell said. “Democrats across the country are focused on finishing strong so that we can bring a real cost-of-living agenda to regular working-class families.”
Bell said rising health care costs and other financial pressures on working families remain among his top concerns.
“It is too expensive in this country right now for regular folks,” he said. “Health care costs are skyrocketing.”
Bell said a Democratic majority in the House would allow lawmakers to increase oversight of President Donald Trump’s administration and pursue legislation addressing affordability.
“I think that if we take the House, what that means is that you’re going to see real oversight,” Bell said.
Closer to home, Bell said he wants to improve the federal disaster relief process for St. Louis residents still recovering from tornadoes that struck the region last year.
“We still have people who are struggling from the tornadoes, the two tornadoes last year, who have still not gotten the relief that they need,” Bell said. “And it’s a broken system, and we’re going to do everything we can to fix it and get those folks the help they need.”
Bell also cited the region’s defense, health care, higher education and startup industries as potential sources of jobs and economic growth.
“I believe this region is a sleeping giant,” Bell said.
Outside the polling place, voters discussed their concerns about the direction of the country and the importance of participating in elections.
Lindsey Charles Williams, a University City resident, said voting has long been a priority for her. She recalled driving home from college to cast her ballot.
“We’re seeing a lot of changes, a lot of things being implemented, maybe some that we don’t agree with, some that we do, and I want to make sure that my voice is being heard,” Williams said.
She said she hopes future generations will have opportunities to experience a better St. Louis.
Aaron Jeans, a resident of unincorporated St. Louis County, said he voted for Bell because he believes the congressman is doing an “amazing job.”
“People always say that our vote doesn’t matter, doesn’t count, but it does count,” Jeans said.
Before the results were announced, Bell expressed confidence that he would win another term but said the election was only part of the work ahead.
“We expect to be successful today, but the hard work begins,” Bell said. “And so we’re going to get right back to work working for this region.”