ST. LOUIS — Michael Butler, the city’s recorder of deeds, is running for mayor.
He said in a statement Friday that he’s heard concerns about the direction of the city from the people who live and work here, and seen a need for visionary leadership that can restore faith in government.
“We need to address our most important issues head-on and place crime, growing our local economy, and basic city services on the front burner, every day,†he said.
And the former state representative and erstwhile head of the Missouri Democratic Party said he has what it takes to do that.
“My record of public service demonstrates my capabilities in managing difficult problems and solving them,†he said.
Butler’s entry into the race makes him the third candidate to declare so far this cycle.
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Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Alderwoman Cara Spencer both announced in late spring, seemingly cementing a re-run of the 2021 contest, when Jones defeated Spencer by 4 percentage points.
Rosetta Okohson, Jones’ campaign manager, said her team welcomed Butler to the race along with anyone else thinking about running. She said she was not worried.
“If I was, I wouldn’t tell you,†she said. “But I’m not.â€
Spencer could not be reached for comment.
Regardless, observers said Butler could shake things up.
Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, of downtown, said Butler, a Black man, might go after some of Jones’ support in north St. Louis.
And a campaign focused on bread-and-butter issues like crime and city services could resonate with voters on both sides of the city who feel Jones hasn’t done enough about their concerns.
Crime statistics have dropped substantially on Jones’ watch. But trouble with things like trash pickup and tree trimming has lingered throughout her term.
“It could make for an interesting race,†Aldridge said.
Others, like Ed Rhode, a former top aide to Mayor Francis G. Slay, noted that Butler starts without much money.
The last time he reported a balance in his campaign account was in September 2023, when it was just over $5,000. Subsequent quarterly filings with the state have reported “limited activity†— meaning that his campaign committee has not received or spent more than $500 during that period.
Meanwhile, Jones’ campaign boasted $165,807 in cash on hand as of June 30, and Spencers’ had $112,704.
“Mr. Butler’s message is one that should resonate well with city voters,†Rhode said. “I think his biggest challenge could be raising the necessary resources to get that message out.â€
The mayoral primary is set for March 4. The top two vote-getters in the primary will proceed to a run-off on April 8.
View life in St. Louis through the Post-Dispatch photographers' lenses. Edited by Jenna Jones.
