Former St. Louis Mayor Reflects on Tenure at WashU Event

Tishaura Jones, St. Louis' 47th mayor from 2021 to 2025, discussed her controversial mayoral term at the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity's inaugural civic leadership event.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Tishaura Jones, the former mayor of St. Louis from 2021 to 2025, participated in a discussion hosted by the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE²) at Washington University in St. Louis on January 27th. The event marked the start of CRE²'s new Program for Civic Leaders and Scholars, and introduced Jones' new role as the inaugural Visiting Distinguished Fellow in Residence at the center.

Why it matters

The conversation provided insight into Jones' controversial tenure as mayor, including her decisions around issues like homeless encampments, as well as the factors that shaped her path into politics. The event was seen as an important opportunity for dialogue around leadership, public responsibility, and race in the current political climate.

The details

During the discussion, Jones reflected on her childhood and early career, including working on campaigns with her father, former St. Louis comptroller Virvus Jones, before he was convicted of tax evasion. She said this experience both helped and hindered her own political career, as some viewed her as a "crook" due to her father's conviction, but it also motivated her to be meticulous in her own affairs. Prior to becoming mayor, Jones served as the city's treasurer from 2013 to 2021 and as a state representative from 2008 to 2013, which she said helped her understand the levers of power at different levels of government.

  • Tishaura Jones served as the 47th mayor of St. Louis from 2021 to 2025.
  • The discussion hosted by CRE² took place on January 27, 2026.

The players

Tishaura Jones

The 47th mayor of St. Louis from 2021 to 2025, and the inaugural Visiting Distinguished Fellow in Residence at the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE²) at Washington University in St. Louis.

Virvus Jones

The former comptroller of St. Louis who was convicted of tax evasion and sent to prison, and is the father of Tishaura Jones.

Dwight McBride

The executive director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE²) at Washington University in St. Louis.

Matthew Hayes

A political science professor who helped facilitate the conversation with Tishaura Jones.

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What they’re saying

“We're living through a time of deep political division and uncertainty about democratic institutions, and students and faculty alike are trying to make sense of that in real time. Creating space for thoughtful, grounded dialogue about the nexus of leadership, public responsibility, and race feels especially urgent right now.”

— Dwight McBride, Executive Director, Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE²) (Student Life)

“In the past, I have found politicians to tend not to be particularly forthcoming about their personal perspective on their role as elected officials. But throughout our conversations in advance of the event, and during the event itself, I was incredibly impressed with how open and honest Mayor Jones was about her time in office.”

— Matthew Hayes, Political Science Professor (Student Life)

“She emphasized transparency, accountability, and the importance of governing with empathy. I also appreciated her broader message about persistence — that leadership isn't about perfection, but about showing up consistently with purpose.”

— Dwight McBride, Executive Director, Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE²) (Student Life)

What’s next

The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE²) plans to host additional events as part of its new Program for Civic Leaders and Scholars, featuring other prominent civic leaders and scholars.

The takeaway

Tishaura Jones' candid discussion of her controversial tenure as mayor of St. Louis underscores the importance of transparent, accountable, and empathetic leadership, even in the face of difficult decisions. Her story also highlights the value of persistence and a willingness to get involved in politics, even when the timing may not seem ideal.