Maria Chapelle-Nadal, a former state representative, is returning to politics in pursuit of the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District held by incumbent Cori Bush.
Wesley Bell, St. Louis County prosecutor, is also a candidate and Chapelle-Nadal rebuked both in her campaign announcement on Twitter/X.
“I have more legislative experience than Cori Bush and Wesley Bell combined,” she said.
“Right wing groups have flooded Wesley Bell’s bank account with Republican money since he abandoned his floundering campaign for Senate last year, while Cori Bush’s campaign is under investigation by the Department of Justice.”
She added, “It’s time St. Louis had a real choice in representation.”
“Not one between a Republican plant who’s failed at the biggest job he’s ever held and someone who has created more controversy than progress since we sent her to Washington
Chappelle-Nadal served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005-2011, and the Missouri Senate from 2011 to 2019, She was again elected to a house seat in 2019 and served two years.
The 1st District covers St. Louis city and several cities in north and central St. Louis County. The primary election for District 1 is set for Aug. 6, 2024.
“I’ve spent the last 20 years of my life serving the working people of St. Louis, fighting for our planet, and standing up for our freedoms. That’s what I’ll continue to do in Congress.”
Both Bell and Chapelle-Nadal have a months’ long head start on fundraising.
Last week, Bell announced he raised $492,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Since entering the race in October 2023, Bell had raised more than $600,000.
“It’s clear that the St. Louis region is ready for a change,” said Bell.
“Our community needs leaders who will show up and deliver for our region, and stand by our friends and allies abroad. That’s exactly what I’ll do in Congress.”
On Tuesday, the Bush campaign announced that it raised $495,431 in the fourth quarter of 2023—the campaign’s biggest fundraising quarter in 2023.
“Our grassroots, people-powered movement is strong and proves that Democratic voters don’t want us to compromise on our values while delivering for the people of St. Louis. Our voters overwhelmingly want safe communities, affordable health care, living wages, and reproductive freedom,” Bush said.
