Michael Burton has withdrawn his candidacy from the St. Louis County Council District 5 race and urges his supporters to vote instead for Lisa Clancy, though his name will still appear on the August 7 Democratic primary ballot.
Clancy, a progressive Democrat who identifies herself as a “mom, former teacher, social worker and community leader,” is challenging two-term incumbent Pat Dolan. The St. Louis American endorsed Clancy.
“The reality is Lisa is polling higher than me, and I am deeply concerned about splitting the vote with her and seeing Mr. Dolan take that seat for another four years,” Burton said in a statement. “This simply can’t happen.”
Burton said Clancy assured him she would hold at least eight community meetings in her first year, fight to keep pay-to-play politics out of St. Louis County, champion campaign finance reform, protect County parks, and work to promote real growth in St. Louis County, which were among his campaign priorities.
“I will now be knocking on doors for Team Clancy,” Burton said. “For anyone who wanted to support me, please vote for Lisa Clancy.”
Clancy said she has family ties in Affton, where Burton lives, and will upheld his campaign priorities for that region.
“Michael and I have a lot in common,” Clancy said in a statement. “We’re both committed to transparent and accountable government and we’re eager for regular opportunities for residents to authentically engage with their elected officials in St. Louis County. We know it’s time for District 5 to have new leadership on County Council.”
The American’s endorsement put Clancy’s candidacy in the context of the ongoing struggle between the County Council and County Executive Steve Stenger, who has Dolan’s support.
“The St. Louis County Council has become the primary bulwark against County Executive Steve Stenger’s agenda of insider deals and mismanagement. Stenger entered office with the support of a majority of the council members, but now finds himself with a 6-1 coalition against him. The coalition opposing Stenger is a diverse one, ranging from progressive black Democrats to conservative white Republicans. The one reliable Stenger vote on the Council is Pat Dolan, who represents an area of St. Louis County that includes Richmond Heights, Clayton, and Maplewood,” The American’s editorial board stated.
“And because he opposes his six colleagues consistently, Dolan’s presence on the council has become essentially worthless to his district. His legislation does not pass and has no hopes of passing in the foreseeable future, until he comes out of his Stenger-induced fog. Dolan’s opponent, Lisa Clancy, is a progressive that reminds us of the young female progressive leaders who have emerged in city politics in recent years. Clancy has embraced the police accountability movement and will be a strong collaborator with the two black council members to reinforce their emphasis on racial equity. It is past time for the County Council to embrace generational change and the region’s leftward ideological drift, and electing Lisa Clancy is a good start.”
The primary election is Tuesday, August 7. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; absentee voting is underway.
