Tishaura Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tishaura Jones
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Jones in 2017
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| 47th Mayor of St. Louis | |
| In office April 20, 2021 – April 15, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Lyda Krewson |
| Succeeded by | Cara Spencer |
| Treasurer of St. Louis | |
| In office January 1, 2013 – April 20, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Larry Williams |
| Succeeded by | Adam Layne |
| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 63rd district |
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| In office January 2009 – January 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Robin Wright-Jones |
| Succeeded by | Michael Butler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Tishaura Oneda Jones
March 10, 1972 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Hampton University (BS) Saint Louis University (MHA) |
Tishaura Oneda Jones (born March 10, 1972) is an American politician. She served as the 47th mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, from 2021 to 2025. As a member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the city's first African-American female mayor.
Before becoming mayor, Jones served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013. She was also the Treasurer for the City of St. Louis from 2013 to 2021. As treasurer, she was in charge of the city's money.
Jones calls herself a progressive politician. This means she supports new ideas to bring about social change and improve people's lives.
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Early Life and Education
Tishaura Oneda Jones was born in St. Louis. Her father, Virvus Jones, also worked for the city government as a comptroller, which is like a chief accountant.
Jones went to Affton High School and graduated in 1990. She then attended Hampton University in Virginia. Hampton is an historically black college or university (HBCU). These are schools that were founded to serve African-American students. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance in 1994.
Later, she returned to school and earned a Master of Health Administration degree from Saint Louis University in 2001. This degree helped her learn how to manage healthcare organizations. In 2015, she also completed a program for government leaders at Harvard Kennedy School.
Beginning Her Career
After college, Jones tried to open a restaurant. The business did not succeed, and it caused her serious money problems for several years. She said this was a very difficult time in her life.
This experience inspired her to help others. When she later became city treasurer, she started a program to teach people in St. Louis about financial literacy, or how to manage their money well.
From 2001 to 2003, Jones worked at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. She started her career in politics in 2002 when she was appointed to a local position in the Democratic Party.
Missouri House of Representatives (2009–2013)
In 2008, Jones was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. This is part of the state government that makes laws for Missouri. She represented the 63rd district. She won her election with over 85% of the vote.
In 2010, she was re-elected without any opponents. During her time in the House, she became the first African-American woman to be the assistant minority floor leader. This is a leadership role for the party that has fewer members in the House.
She served on several important committees, including those for education and health insurance.
St. Louis Treasurer (2013–2021)
In 2012, Jones ran for Treasurer of St. Louis and won. The city treasurer is in charge of managing the city's money, investments, and parking services. She was the first woman to hold this job.
When she took office, she promised to make changes. She conducted an audit to check the office's finances and made sure all employees were doing their jobs properly.
During her time as treasurer, Jones changed how people saw the office. It became a center for helping the community. She started programs to improve financial education and help children save for college.
College Savings Program
One of her most famous programs is called "College Kids." It opens a savings account for every child starting kindergarten in a St. Louis public school. The money for the program comes from parking meter fees.
The program helps families save for college. It offers rewards for good attendance and for parents who complete financial education classes. Jones was recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative in 2015 for her work on this program.
Re-elections as Treasurer
Jones was re-elected as treasurer in 2016 and again in 2020. She was very popular in these elections, winning with over 75% of the vote each time.
Mayor of St. Louis (2021–2025)
Jones ran for mayor of St. Louis twice. She lost her first campaign in 2017 but won the election in 2021.
2017 Mayoral Campaign
In 2017, Jones ran for mayor but narrowly lost in the Democratic primary election to Lyda Krewson. During the campaign, Jones felt that the local newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was being unfair in its coverage of her.
She wrote an open letter to the newspaper, which was published in The St. Louis American. In the letter, she explained why she felt the coverage was unfair and criticized the paper. The letter got national attention and a lot of support from the public.
2021 Mayoral Election
Jones ran for mayor again in 2021. This time, she won the election against Cara Spencer. She was sworn in on April 20, 2021. Her victory was historic, as she became the first African-American woman to lead the city.
Time as Mayor
As mayor, one of Jones's first actions was to close a city jail known as "The Workhouse." Many people felt the jail was old and had poor conditions. The building was closed in June 2021, and its demolition began in March 2025.
She also focused on how to use federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
2025 Mayoral Election
In the 2025 mayoral election, Jones ran for a second term. She faced Cara Spencer again in a rematch of the 2021 election. This time, Jones lost the election, receiving about 36% of the vote.
Political Views
Jones is known for her progressive ideas on how to improve the city. She often says she wants to look at every issue "through a racial equity lens." This means she wants to make sure government decisions are fair to people of all races, especially those who have been ignored in the past.
Justice and Safety
Jones is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. She believes the justice system needs major changes. She supports ending the use of cash bail for minor offenses and finding new ways to handle crime instead of just arresting people.
In 2017, she started a fundraiser to remove a Confederate monument from Forest Park. She said that monuments should honor patriots, not those who fought against the country. The monument was eventually removed.
Education
Jones supports public schools and has worked to improve them. While in the state legislature, she introduced a bill to create stricter rules for charter schools. Her "College Kids" program as treasurer showed her commitment to helping students plan for their future.
Gun Violence
Jones believes that better gun control is needed to reduce crime. She also thinks that fighting poverty is a key part of making communities safer. She has participated in marches and protests against gun violence.
Personal Life
Jones has one son, who was born in 2007. Her mother, Laura, passed away from cancer in 2000.
In 2020, Jones shared on social media that she was having surgery for uterine fibroids, a common health issue for women.
See also
