The case for Tishaura Jones’ re-election

The debate between the two candidates vying to become the next mayor of St. Louis offers a valuable opportunity to assess their respective priorities and leadership styles. Incumbent Mayor Tishaura Jones, born and raised in North St. Louis, is now seeking re-election after her first term. She has emphasized accomplishments such as expanding affordable housing, improving public safety through alternative responses, and reforming the city’s budget to better reflect the entire community’s needs.

Her prior service as a ward committeewoman, state representative, and 8 years as Treasurer, a city-wide elected office, further demonstrates her deep familiarity with the city’s complex landscape. In contrast, Alderman Cara Spencer, raised in South St. Louis and St. Louis County, while well-spoken and earnest in her approach, lacks experience managing a large organization—a notable concern for a city facing deep structural challenges and budgetary constraints. It is fair to say her learning curve would be steep.

But we want to make it clear that as an African American-facing newspaper we have absolutely no reason to feel that either Ald. Spencer or Bob Clark are themselves racist. The fact is that both have a commendable history of being progressive on the issue of race in both their public and private lives. Nevertheless, it is also clear that certain aspects of the Spencer campaign do come across as racial dog whistles.

Further complicating the race is the outsized influence of Bob Clark, a wealthy high-profile developer and seasoned veteran of political influence through campaign contributions. He had a role in helping to hold up the critical downtown convention center’s expansion, which led to increased costs and a reduction in the scope of the project that reduced its competitiveness. His heavy financial backing of Spencer’s campaign raises questions about the independence of her policy decisions.

Importantly, Mayor Jones has made significant policy changes that protect the City from the continuation of some previous unfair business deals.

But we want to make it clear that as an African American-facing newspaper we have absolutely no reason to feel that either Ald. Spencer or Bob Clark are themselves racist. The fact is that both have a commendable history of being progressive on the issue of race in both their public and private lives. Nevertheless, it is also clear that certain aspects of the Spencer campaign do come across as racial dog whistles. Also, an uncontrolled social media is replete with posts that are clearly racist. It is regrettable that both candidates have supporters who base their election choices on the people they find more relatable because of race rather than fitness for an office. 

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that both candidates bring valuable public service experience to the table. In an era of increasing polarization, objective journalism (the organization with the region’s largest newsroom often seems to have a vendetta against Jones in its editorials) and a commitment to accountability—regardless of political affiliation—remain essential.

St. Louis continues to grapple with serious challenges: a declining population and tax base, crime (there has been some encouraging improvement) and controversial, even unprincipled, developers. 

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues including population loss. Public schools continue to struggle with mounting problems, and the city lost several major businesses and institutions in the aftermath of that outbreak. Some of the city’s losses occurred long ago, including the departure of corporate headquarters, the failure to develop a regional airport in the 1970s, and the Rams’ exit from St. Louis as a result of a flawed contract—all stemmed from decisions and forces beyond City Hall’s control. Macroeconomic trends, state and federal policies, and global shifts all play a role in shaping the city’s reality.

Yet, amid these struggles, the importance of delivering basic city services cannot be overstated. They are essential to residents’ daily lives, and although not easily addressed, they remain fundamental to any effort to build a better future for the city.

Despite all of these daunting challenges, St. Louis holds significant competitive advantages including: ownership of the region’s major airport that is expected to see a transformative overhaul soon, affordable land, historic architecture, ample water, two top-tier medical centers, esteemed research universities that are leaders in geospatial, plant science and medical research, as well as a community college system to provide workforce for 21^st century jobs, parks with great amenities, professional sports teams, as well as exceptional arts and cultural assets. Capital and talent are drawn to cities that combine these strengths with sound leadership and a welcoming environment.

We believe St. Louis is in the early stages of a substantial revival. But future growth must be inclusive—rooted in equity, opportunity, and a clear departure from the divisive harmful practices of the past. This requires elected officials who are not only competent but committed to equitable progress for all.

Incumbent Mayor Jones faces a difficult path to re-election following a lopsided primary result, but the general election will be decided by the incremental voters who show up—especially young people and women, key constituencies in previous political victories.

The St. Louis American feels strongly that Mayor Jones’ experience, record of leadership, and inclusive practices make her the clear choice to continue guiding our city forward.

We endorse Tishaura Jones for re-election as Mayor of St. Louis.