St. Louis Land Registrar Michael Butler to Run for Mayor

ST. LOUIS — Michael Butler, the city’s recorder of deeds, is running for mayor.

In a statement Friday, he said he had heard concerns from people who live and work here about the direction the city was headed and saw a need for visionary leadership to restore trust in government.

“We need to tackle the most important issues head on and put crime, local economic development and essential city services first, every day,” he said.

The former state representative and former leader of the Missouri Democratic Party said he has what it takes to get it done.

“My record of public service demonstrates my ability to tackle and solve difficult problems,” he said.

Butler’s entry into the race makes him the third candidate entered so far this cycle.

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Councilwoman Cara Spencer announced their candidacies in late spring, seemingly sealing a repeat election in 2021, in which Jones defeated Spencer by 4 percentage points.

Rosetta Okohson, Jones’ campaign manager, said her team welcomed Butler into the race, as they would anyone thinking about running. She said she was not worried.

“If I were, I wouldn’t tell you,” she said. “But I’m not.”

Spencer could not be reached for comment.

Still, observers say Butler could cause a stir.

Councilman Rasheen Aldridge, D-City, said Butler, a black man, could seek Jones’ support in north St. Louis.

A campaign focused on core issues like crime and city services could resonate with voters on both sides of the aisle who feel Jones has not done enough to address their concerns.

While crime statistics have dropped significantly under Jones, problems with things like trash pickup and tree trimming have persisted throughout her tenure.

“This could be an interesting race,” Aldridge said.

Others, like Ed Rhode, former top aide to Mayor Francis G. Slay, noted that Butler is starting without much money.

He last reported a balance in his campaign account in September 2023, when it was just over $5,000. Subsequent quarterly filings with the state showed “limited activity” — meaning his campaign committee did not receive or spend more than $500 during that period.

Meanwhile, as of June 30, the Jones campaign had $165,807 in cash on hand, and the Spencer campaign had $112,704.

“Mr. Butler’s message should resonate with urban voters,” Rhode said. “I think his biggest challenge may be raising the necessary funds to get that message out.”

The mayoral primary will be held on March 4. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary will advance to a second round on April 8.