Tishaura Jones began her political career in 2002 as an appointed Democratic committeewoman of St. Louis’ 8th Ward.
Most recently, Jones served two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, becoming the state’s first African American and first woman to ascend to the post of assistant minority floor leader.
On Tuesday, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sister celebrated another historic first, winning the election as the city’s first Black female mayor.
Jones defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer in the general election with 51.7% of the vote to Spencer’s 47.8%, based on unofficial results posted on the city’s website. She will be sworn in on April 20.
“Congratulations to our very own chapter Soror Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones on becoming the first African American female Mayor of the City of St. Louis,” The Deltas tweeted.
At her victory speech, Jones pledged to continue working hard for equality.
“It’s time for St. Louis to thrive,” she told a cheering crowd of supporters. “It’s time to bring a breath of fresh air to our neighborhoods. I will work to address inequities in the delivery of city services, and I will not stay silent when I see racism, homophobia, xenophobia, or religious intolerance. I will not stay silent when I spot any injustice.”
Jones, 49, said her campaign had begun breaking down the historic racial barriers and the racial divides that exist and have existed for generations in St. Louis.
“I’m ready to work,” said Jones, who has served as the city’s treasurer for the past eight years.
Her victory arrives on the heels of Kim Janey’s ascension to mayor in Boston, another major U.S. city that never had a Black female chief executive officer.
Jones, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hampton University, and a master’s in health administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health, is an active volunteer with a dedication to public service. She has earned recognition from various organizations, including the Lupus Foundation of America and the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights.
“Congratulations, Mayor-elect Tishaura Jones,” tweeted D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We’re all rooting for you and St. Louis.”
Brigette Squire contributed to this story.