Inside St. Louis: Voter Readiness and Candidate Strategies Ahead of Super Tuesday
The City of St. Louis is set to hold its primary municipal election on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, featuring pivotal races for both the mayor’s office and the city comptroller position. This election operates under a nonpartisan approval voting system, allowing voters to select any number of candidates they approve of, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election on April 8, 2025.
Mayoral Race
Four candidates are contending for the mayoral seat:
Tishaura Jones: The incumbent mayor since 2021, Jones previously served as the city’s treasurer from 2013 to 2021 and as a state representative for Missouri’s 63rd District from 2009 to 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Hampton University and a master’s in health administration from Saint Louis University. Jones is campaigning on her record, emphasizing investments in infrastructure and public safety initiatives during her tenure.
Michael Butler: Currently serving as the city’s recorder of deeds since 2019, Butler was a state representative for Missouri’s 79th District from 2013 to 2019 and chaired the Missouri Democratic Party from 2020 to 2023. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Alabama A&M University and a master’s in public affairs from the University of Missouri. Butler’s campaign focuses on reducing crime and addressing vacant housing.
Andrew Jones Jr.: A businessman and perennial candidate, Jones has served as the executive vice president of business and marketing at Southwestern Electric Cooperative since 2001. He holds master’s degrees in international business from Webster University and business administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Jones emphasizes economic development and public safety in his platform.
Cara Spencer: An alderwoman representing Ward 8 since 2023, Spencer previously represented Ward 20 from 2015 to 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Truman State University and worked as an analyst before entering politics. Spencer’s campaign highlights government transparency and improving city infrastructure.
Key issues shaping the mayoral campaign include crime reduction, enhancement of city services, and economic development. A recent winter storm that led to widespread complaints about delayed snow removal and service delivery has intensified debates on the city’s preparedness and responsiveness. Additionally, campaign contributions have come under scrutiny; notably, Bob Clark of the construction firm Clayco made a significant donation supporting Cara Spencer’s mayoral bid, raising questions about the influence of money on government access and decision-making.
Comptroller Race
The comptroller race features three candidates:
Darlene Green: The incumbent comptroller since 1995, Green has overseen the city’s finances for three decades, focusing on fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Donna Baringer: A former state representative and alderwoman, Baringer brings extensive experience in public service. She served as the state representative for Missouri’s 82nd District and as an alderwoman for the 16th Ward. Baringer’s campaign emphasizes modernizing the comptroller’s office and enhancing financial oversight.
Celeste Metcalf: A political newcomer, Metcalf is an accountant with experience in governmental and organizational accounting. She advocates for increased transparency and efficiency in the city’s financial operations.
The role of the comptroller is particularly important as it includes a voice and a vote on the powerful Board of Estimate and Apportionment (E&A), which oversees the city’s budget and financial decisions. The comptroller’s ability to influence fiscal policies and ensure responsible financial management is a key factor in this race.
As with the mayoral race, the top two candidates in the comptroller primary will advance to the general election on April 8, 2025. Voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each candidate’s background and platform to make informed decisions that will shape the future of St. Louis
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