Biography
Congressman Wesley Bell
Born and raised in North St. Louis County, Wesley Bell grew up in a union household that instilled in him a deep appreciation for public service and the dignity of hard work. Bell is a former member of the National Education Association. His uncle was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union while working at Kroger, his stepfather was an electrician with IBEW Local 649, and his grandfather, the Reverend Melvin T. Bell, led a historic strike in 1967 at the Duncan Foundry steel mill to secure better pay and benefits for workers. Growing up around union halls and hearing first hand stories of struggle and triumph, Bell learned that organized labor is the backbone of economic justice in America.
A proud graduate of Hazelwood East High School, Bell worked multiple jobs to put himself through college at Lindenwood University—waiting tables at Shoney’s, refereeing youth sports, and working for a phone company—before earning his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.
Bell dedicated his career to public service and the pursuit of justice. He began as a public defender in St. Louis, where he witnessed the barriers to fair treatment in the criminal justice system. He later worked as a criminology professor at Florissant Valley Community College and served as a municipal judge in Velda City and a municipal prosecutor in Riverview. In 2015, Bell was elected to the Ferguson City Council, where he played a key role in implementing police and court reforms. His efforts helped bring about stronger police training, officer body cameras, pay raises for law enforcement, and an overhaul of the municipal court system.
In 2018, Bell made history by defeating the incumbent to become the first Black person elected as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney. Leading Missouri’s largest prosecutor’s office, he established specialized units to address violent crime, domestic violence, and auto theft, while expanding diversion programs for non-violent offenders struggling with mental health and substance abuse. His reforms focused on making the criminal justice system more effective, accountable, and fair.
Bell has long emphasized that 'if you want to deal with public safety, first fix your public health.' He understands that tackling crime requires a holistic approach—ensuring people have access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and stable housing. As both a prosecutor and now a Member of Congress, he has championed policies that address the root causes of crime while ensuring law enforcement has the tools necessary to keep communities safe. His approach to public safety balances accountability with prevention, making investments that strengthen neighborhoods and reduce recidivism. Leading Missouri’s largest prosecutor’s office, he established specialized units to address violent crime, domestic violence, and auto theft, while expanding diversion programs for non-violent offenders struggling with mental health and substance abuse. His reforms focused on making the criminal justice system more effective, accountable, and fair.
In Congress, Bell continues his commitment to public service, fighting for policies that strengthen working families, advance environmental justice, and address climate change. He is dedicated to ensuring that all communities have access to clean air and water, advocating for good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, and public safety. Drawing from his experiences, he remains focused on common-sense solutions that improve the lives of Missourians and create opportunities for all.