Tishaura Jones has become the first Black woman mayor in the city of St. Louis.
Jones won the election on Tuesday, defeating Alderwoman Cara Spencer in the general election with a 51.7 percent to 47.8 percent win. Jones will officially be sworn in on April 20th.
In her speech following her victory, Jones said that her win was an opportunity for the city to rise. She has been outspoken regarding the criminal justice system and the city’s “arrest and incarcerates” model.
“I told you when I was running that we aren’t done avoiding tough conversations. We are done ignoring the racism that has held our city and our region back.”
Spencer praised her opponent’s historic achievement, saying that the win was “something we should all celebrate.” She added that St. Louis has “broke a glass ceiling,” having Jones as mayor.
Tishaura Jones formerly served as a state representative and has been treasurer since 2013. She will replace Lyda Krewson, who was the city’s first female mayor. Krewson announced in November that she would not be seeking re-election.
In her new role as mayor, Jones will be forced to find a solution to businesses that are still struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a dwindling population. However, her greatest feat will be putting an end to the flurry of violence plaguing the city. Last year, St. Louis experienced 262 homicides. So far this year, the city has seen 46 murders.
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