Even amid the novel coronavirus, anti-trans legislation multiplying seemingly by the day, and voter suppression attacks in Georgia, history is still being made in the best way possible. Take the latest progressive victory out of St. Louis, Missouri, for example. On Tuesday night, St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer in the race for St. Louis mayor, as reported by local outlet KMOV. Jones, who actually ran for mayor four years ago and at that point lost to Lyda Krewson in the Democratic primary, is set to become the first Black woman mayor in the city’s history. Jones is also the first single mother to be mayor of St. Louis.
Jones won this race with 52% of the vote. Speaking to a crowd of supporters on Tuesday night, Jones said, “As a city, we’ve been surviving. It’s time for St. Louis to thrive. It’s time to bring a breath of fresh air to our neighborhoods.” Let’s check out some progressive plans Jones has below, as well as social media reactions to the historic victory.
During her victory speech, Jones stressed, "I told you when I was running that we aren’t done avoiding tough conversations. We are done ignoring the racism that has held our city and our region back,” and her policies and plans really honor that sentiment and drive.
For example, Jones acknowledged long-term uprisings from incarcerated folks happening at a jail in downtown St. Louis and promised to address them within 100 days. She also pledged to close a separate facility, sometimes known as the “Workhouse,” within the first 100 days of her taking office. Also related to criminal justice, Jones has promised to restructure the police department so public safety isn’t based just on pumping money into law enforcement—and given the city’s history with police violence, that’s a huge step forward.
She wants to reallocate funds into substance abuse and mental health support. Jones also supports decriminalizing sex work and ending cash bail, in addition to increasing funds for services for unhoused communities. Jones will also work with the city’s budget office to determine how to use close to $500 million in federal coronavirus relief money.
“I will not stay silent when I spot racism,” Jones stated. “I will not stay silent when I spot homophobia or transphobia. I will not stay silent when I spot xenophobia. I will not stay silent when I spot religious intolerance. I will not stay silent when I spot any injustice.”
Many are taking to Twitter to celebrate the incredible win.
You can watch some of the speech Jones gave last night in the video below.