Biography
Wesley Bell, born on November 5, 1974, in St. Louis County, Missouri, is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 1st Congressional District since January 3, 2025. Raised in a family dedicated to public service—his father was a police officer and his mother a county civil servant—Bell developed a strong commitment to community engagement from an early age.
Bell's career is marked by significant contributions to criminal justice reform. After working as a public defender in St. Louis County, he served as a criminology professor at Florissant Valley Community College. In 2015, he was elected to the Ferguson City Council, where he collaborated with the Department of Justice to implement police and court reforms following the unrest in Ferguson. These reforms included enhanced police training, the introduction of officer body cameras, and an overhaul of the municipal court system.
In 2018, Bell achieved a historic victory by becoming the first Black person elected as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney. During his tenure, he established specialized units to address violent crime, domestic violence, and auto theft, and expanded diversion programs for non-violent offenders dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. His reforms aimed to create a more effective, accountable, and fair criminal justice system.
In 2024, Bell successfully challenged incumbent Representative Cori Bush in the Democratic primary for Missouri's 1st Congressional District, subsequently winning the general election. As a member of Congress, he continues to advocate for policies that strengthen working families, advance environmental justice, and address climate change.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts from Lindenwood University
- Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law
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Political Experience:
- Public Defender in St. Louis County
- Criminology Professor at Florissant Valley Community College
- Municipal Judge in Velda City
- Municipal Prosecutor in Riverview
- Ferguson City Council Member
- St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney
- U.S. Representative for Missouri's 1st Congressional District
Throughout his career, Bell has been a steadfast advocate for criminal justice reform, public safety, and community development, consistently working to address the root causes of crime and promote equitable policies.
