St. Louis Board of Aldermen

When he retired in 2017, Freeman Bosley Sr. was one of St. Louis' longest-serving aldermen.

Tishaura Jones’ loss in last month’s mayor’s election is part of a trend in St. Louis-area politics over the past few years. After ascending to some of the most powerful posts in local government, several Black female political figures either left office or were defeated.

Williams takes over for Neal Richardson, who was appointed by former Mayor Tishaura Jones and led the organization for the past four years.

The 8th Ward seat became vacant April 15 with Mayor Cara Spencer’s inauguration.

Mensah, the former vice-chair of the city's Detention Facilities Oversight Board, faces resisting arrest and trespassing charges and claims they were beaten unconscious by police while waiting to access the St. Louis City Justice Center in August 2023. A jury trial is tentatively scheduled for May 12.

The former alderwoman will have to navigate an independent aldermanic board and a major change to the management of the city’s police department.

Joe Vollmer helped lead the board through the criminal conviction of three of its members and oversaw the drawing of the map that cut its numbers from 28 to 14.

The city’s Democratic Central Committee met Saturday with representatives of all 14 wards. Nine voted in support of endorsing Mayor Tishaura Jones, and 15 members voted for Spencer.

St. Louis voters will select representatives for the Board of Aldermen’s seven odd-numbered wards.

Mayor Tishaura Jones will face Alderwoman Cara Spencer of the 8th Ward in the April 8 election. Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler was third, while retired utility executive Andrew Jones was fourth.