Melissa Price Smith

Former Gov. Mike Parson appointed Melissa Price Smith to replace Wesley Bell when he resigned to take his seat in Congress. Price Smith has already said she plans to run for a full term in 2026.

St. Louis County Third Ward Councilman Dennis Hancock, R-Fenton, will cover his own legal costs from the effort to oust him for nepotism and has promised to never hire another relative.

Gov. Mike Parson appointed Melissa Price Smith to fill out the term of Wesley Bell, who was recently sworn in as Missouri’s 1st Congressional District representative.

Diann Valenti was ensnared in a dispute over a councilman hiring his stepdaughter as an aide.

Melissa Price Smith’s swearing-in follows a monthslong legal fight between Missouri and county officials over who has the power to appoint the prosecutor.

The Missouri Court of Appeals issued the ruling several hours after holding a hearing Thursday.

The ruling from Circuit Judge Brian May of the 21st Circuit will be appealed.

Melissa Price Smith, Gov. Mike Parson’s nominee for county prosecutor, made the claim during a question-and-answer session with members of the St. Louis County Council during a committee hearing on Tuesday.

Gov. Mike Parson has chosen St. Louis County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith as the next St. Louis County Prosecutor. County and state leaders are currently in a legal battle over who has the authority to appoint the prosecutor.