St. Louis mayoral election results: Cara Spencer decisively defeats incumbent Tishaura Jones in the 2025 election. Spencer won 64% to Jones’ 36%, according to unofficial St. Louis election results, making her the city’s 48th mayor and third new leader in 12 years.
Turnout was relatively low, with only 26% of registered voters casting ballots.
Spencer told supporters during a packed election night celebration at Union Station that she built her campaign on a simple idea: St. Louis can do better. “We can build a downtown to be proud of and improve neighborhoods north and south.”
Why Spencer Won
Spencer, currently the 8th Ward alderwoman, gained momentum early after dominating the March primary, doubling Jones’ vote count. Her campaign targeted Jones’ perceived failures on basic city services, especially trash collection and the city’s response to a winter storm in January.
She also stressed transparency in city government, pledged safer streets for drivers and pedestrians, and called for improvements in city operations.
Spencer raised over $1 million for her campaign, drawing strong support from PACs and developers like Clayco’s Bob Clark, whose firms contributed more than $130,000.
Jones Reflects on Term
In her concession speech at the Omega Center, Tishaura Jones expressed pride in her administration’s achievements, including a drop in crime, demolition of the Workhouse jail, and the development of a consolidated 911 center.
“Our city has never had a Black mayor serve more than one term,” Jones noted. “We made history, and we’ve accomplished so much together.”
She warned against reversing progress and stressed, “Our city cannot afford to let back-to-basics take us back to where we’ve been.”
Jones reminded voters that her administration initiated many of the projects Spencer will now take over.
What’s Next for Spencer
Spencer will be inaugurated on April 15 and faces an immediate list of challenges. These include the state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, budget instability, and adapting to state and federal policy changes.
When asked about potential cabinet changes, Spencer was noncommittal: “They’re in the works, and we’re excited to announce them soon.”
A special election to fill Spencer’s aldermanic seat will be held in early July.
Source: NPR
