This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, April 1, 2013 - Roughly a day before St. Louis’ municipal election, St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed was already looking to the next cycle.
Reed, a Democrat who lost to incumbent Mayor Francis Slay in last month’s Democratic primary>, announced that he will run for re-election. Reed made the statement in a web video thanking supporters for backing him against Slay, who will likely win a historic fourth four-year term Tuesday.
“The passion for public service and desire to improve the quality of life for the people throughout our city still drive me today,” Reed said in the video. “As president of the Board of Aldermen, I will continue to push for these progressive ideas and remain committed to the mission of building a stronger, safer, more unified St. Louis.
“I want you to know that I stand more committed than ever to these ideas and plan to seek re-election for president of the Board of Aldermen,” he added.
Reed was first elected as board president in 2007, ousting Board of Aldermen President Jim Shrewsbury. He faced no Democratic opposition in 2011.
While Reed told St. Louis Public Radio that he would run for mayor again in 2017, it’s an open question whether he’ll have to fight for his current job in 2015.
Dave Drebes of Missouri Scout wrote in March that either Shrewsbury or Alderwoman Lyda Krewson, D-28th Ward, could be potential contenders against Reed.
