Tishaura Jones

Tishaura Jones is an American politician serving as the 47th Mayor of St. Louis, a position she assumed in April 2021 after winning the 2021 St. Louis mayoral election. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the Treasurer of St. Louis from 2013 to 2021. Jones is the first Black woman to be elected mayor in the city's history, focusing her administration on issues of racial equity, public safety reform, and economic development.

Early life and education

Tishaura Jones was born in St. Louis and is the daughter of Virvus Jones, a former Comptroller of St. Louis and influential political figure. She attended local schools before earning a bachelor's degree from Saint Louis University and a master's degree in health administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Her early exposure to St. Louis politics through her father significantly shaped her understanding of public service and community advocacy within the city's unique political landscape.

Early career

Before entering electoral politics, Jones built a career in public service and health administration. She worked for the Missouri Department of Social Services and later served as the director of the St. Louis Department of Health. Her professional experience also includes roles at BJC HealthCare and as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Saint Louis University. This background in healthcare and social services informed her later policy focus on addressing disparities in public health and social determinants of health within St. Louis.

Political career

Jones's political career began in the Missouri House of Representatives, where she represented the 63rd district from 2008 to 2012. In the Missouri General Assembly, she served on committees including Financial Institutions and Professional Registration and Licensing. In 2012, she was elected Treasurer of St. Louis, becoming the first Black woman to hold the office. As Treasurer, she launched initiatives like the College Kids program, a children's savings account program, and advocated for financial literacy and banking access, often clashing with the St. Louis Board of Aldermen over the scope of the treasurer's authority.

Mayor of St. Louis

Upon her inauguration in 2021, Jones's administration quickly set priorities including reforming the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, addressing the city's high homicide rate through a public health approach, and investing in neighborhoods neglected by past policies. Key initiatives have included establishing the Office of Violence Prevention, proposing the reallocation of funds from the St. Louis Department of Public Safety to social services, and championing the closure of the Medium Security Institution (the Workhouse). Her tenure has seen debates over the city's American Rescue Plan Act spending, development projects like the Northside Regeneration plan, and managing the city's relationship with St. Louis County.

Electoral history

Jones first ran for Mayor of St. Louis in the 2017 St. Louis mayoral election, finishing a close second in the Democratic primary to Lyda Krewson. She ran again in 2021, winning a competitive primary against opponents including Cara Spencer and Lewis Reed, before defeating Republican Andrew Jones in the general election. Her victory was bolstered by strong support from progressive groups like the Service Employees International Union and Mobilize Missouri, as well as key endorsements from figures such as Cori Bush and Elizabeth Warren.

Category:Mayors of St. Louis Category:Missouri Democrats