Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis).
After more than a decade in the state capitol, state Senator Jamilah Nasheed's next step could bring her back home to St. Louis.
In a press release and campaign video released today, Nasheed (D-St. Louis) announced that she is throwing her hat into the race for president of the Board of Aldermen, swelling the ranks of candidates to three (so far). In addition to Alderwoman Megan Green, incumbent Lewis Reed is running for his third four-year term after finishing third in the mayor's race.
Nasheed's campaign portrays St. Louis as a "tale of two cities," and points to the disparities punctuated by the infamous "Delmar Divide."
"Threats of gun violence, lack of opportunity and the Delmar Divide are the reality for far too many," Nahseed said in a press release. "But, by working together, we can fix those issues and create solutions for everyone."
Nasheed brings with her a complicated legacy as a state lawmaker; as chronicled in a 2011 Riverfront Times cover story, she doesn't exactly fit the stereotypical mold of a Democratic politician.
Meanwhile, the race for BOA President is shaping up to be a dramatic showdown between three ambitious politicians with big personalities to match — with the winner taking over a position that essentially controls the pace and power structure of the city's legislative body. Election day on March 5, 2019 is going to be interesting.
Follow Danny Wicentowski on Twitter at @D_Towski. E-mail the author at [email protected]
