Bell, Wesley

Wesley Bell represents Missouri's 1st congressional district in the House of Representatives as a Democrat, having taken office in 2025. Before his election to Congress, Bell served as St. Louis County prosecuting attorney from 2019 to 2025, making history as the first Black county prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County. He came to prominence by defeating long-time prosecutor Bob McCulloch in the 2018 Democratic primary on a platform of criminal justice reform. His early career included work as a public defender, community college professor, municipal judge, and Ferguson city council member following the 2015 Ferguson protests.

In Congress, Bell serves on the House Committee on Armed Services, including its Tactical Air and Land Forces and Strategic Forces subcommittees, as well as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he participates in the Health Care and Financial Services and Federal Law Enforcement subcommittees. His legislative priorities reflect his background in criminal justice, with sponsored bills including the BRIDGE Act and the Gateway Partnership Act of 2025, among others.

Bell's tenure as county prosecutor was marked by progressive criminal justice initiatives, including policies on marijuana prosecution, cash bail reform, and declining to seek the death penalty despite public pressure. His record also included reopening the investigation into Michael Brown's death, ultimately reaching the same conclusion as his predecessor and federal investigators. His time in office drew scrutiny over government spending practices and workplace discrimination allegations, which resulted in a 500,000 dollar settlement with St. Louis County in 2025.