Historic racial barriers are being broken!
American politician Tishaura Oneda Jones, 49 has been elected as the new mayor of St Louis, Missouri. She makes history as the first Black woman to hold the city’s top position.
“This campaign can unequivocally say that we’ve begun breaking down the historic racial barriers and the racial divides that exist, and have existed for generations in our city,” Jones said on Tuesday night, adding that she “will not stay silent” in the face of “any injustice”.
“As a city, we’ve been surviving. We’ve suffered disinvestments, decades of violence, broken promises from our city’s leaders, who have bowed to the will of special interests and insider dealings,” she said. “It’s time for St Louis to thrive.”
Jones who since 2013 has served as the Treasurer of St. Louis – the first woman to hold the position became the mayor-elect of St. Louis after winning the 2021 mayoral election. She defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer, who conceded the race Tuesday night in a vote tally at 52% against Spencer with 48%.
Tishaura Jones who brings a deep personal commitment, a wealth of experience, and a proven record of leadership to serving the City of St Louis will take office on April 20.
The top politician began her political career in 2002 when she was appointed as Democratic Committeewoman of the 8th Ward in the City of St. Louis.
Jones told St Louis Public Radio it felt amazing to win. “I’m ready to get to work and usher in St Louis’s new era,” she said
In her concession speech, Spencer hailed Jones as well as weighed in on the historic nature of the election result.
“This is something we should all celebrate,” Spencer said. “Our city broke a glass ceiling tonight, a ceiling that shouldn’t have been there.”
Spencer also promised, while surrounded by supporters at her watch party outside the Mahler Ballroom, to work with Jones to help solve city issues.
“I’m proud to be a citizen of St Louis tonight,” Spencer said. “The treasurer was my opponent but she is not my enemy. The people of St Louis have spoken, and I pledge my support to Mayor-elect Tishaura Jones to move our city forward.”
Democratic National Committee chair, Jaime Harrison, also congratulated Jones on her win, calling it a “great & historic achievement” on Twitter.
Jones has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hampton University and a Masters degree in Health Administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health.
