Welcome to the South City Democrat!
A perspective on St. Louis Politics and Elections from the ground in South City.
About This Publication
As a lifelong St. Louisan, and long time volunteer and engaged citizen, I wanted to create the South City Democrat to contribute to the broader discussion about St. Louis politics with a focus on elections and the state of the local Democratic Party in St. Louis.
Why this, why now
I am a lifelong St. Louisan and active Democrat on the local, state, and national levels. I have volunteered on countless campaigns, ran my own (failed) campaign against a proposition, and advocated for different causes at the local level. Throughout my 20+ years of engagement, I have witnessed the changes in the party and our local St. Louis politics. These range from the ideological shifts towards the left to the structural changes in ward boundaries and how we vote. Though some of these changes have been for the better, the dysfunction at city hall has led to an erosion of essential services and has withered trust in our leaders.
I have also noticed a lack of civic participation, whether it is at local democratic meetings or in voter turnouts. This is a frightening trend in light of our national political transition towards an authoritarian oligarchy and the state of deep red Missouri politics. I believe that in order to take the state back and influence the greater national political landscape, we need to unite our many coalitions within the Democratic Party and find a way to motivate our neighbors and friends to get involved! We also need to elect energetic and competent leaders and pay attention to ballot initiatives so that we can restore trust in our party.
This publication will explore the shifts in our local and state government, and contribute to the broader conversation about the changes in our local St. Louis politics. Though this moment is challenging, it is also an incredible opportunity to build community and stregthen our resolve as Democrats to fight for our basic values and build on the progress we have made over the past several decades. I frequently hear from coworkers, students, neighbors and friends that they are at a loss for what they can do in light of the rapid and destructive policies of the Trump/Musk administration. The only tangible advice that I can offer is to get involved at the local level. Show up to neighborhood meetings, attend town halls, and volunteer. Support those who choose to stand up to the machine because this may be one of the toughest times to put yourself out there!
Our Community
This publication is called “The South City Democrat” because that is what I am! However, this publication is open to anyone who is interested in joining. You do not need to be from South City, St. Louis, the Democratic Party etc., to join this conversation. This is also a pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ+, pro-trans, and pro-DEI space.
Frequency of posts
I work full-time, and I am just a political junkie who is doing this for fun. I cannot really commit a particular release schedule, but I hope to be publishing at least once per month, and expecially around election seasons.
Thank you for reading!