Wesley Bell

The St. Louis County Democrat is facing an unexpected primary challenge from St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell and drawing criticism from some in St. Louis’ Jewish community.

The turnabout from the St. Louis County prosecutor means U.S. Rep. Cori Bush will have a credible opponent in next year’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary.

The vice president will speak Friday at a meeting of the Democratic National Committee in St. Louis.

Lucas Kunce, Karla May and Wesley Bell are the major Democratic candidates vying to take on U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley. Some Democrats are wondering if a primary makes sense in a state that’s solidly Republican.

Jones is a former St. Louis alderman and a former adviser to St. Louis regional leaders.

The St. Louis County Democrat’s decision puts him on a collision course with Lucas Kunce, who has the backing of a number of labor organizations.

Gov. Mike Parson appointed Gabriel Gore to be circuit attorney on May 19 to replace Kim Gardner.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page first convened the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council in October 2019, but meetings paused during the pandemic. The group will reconvene Feb. 23 with a number of new members.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page wants to move on from political battles of the past.

The new research, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, examines the practice of plea negotiations in St. Louis County, Milwaukee and Philadelphia.