Who Is Running in Missouri Congressional District 1st in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Wesley Bell
(Incumbent)Economy
HighWesley Bell has expressed concern about the cost of living and healthcare expenses for voters. He voted YES on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included investment in the St. Louis defense workforce and a 3.8% raise for servicemembers. Additionally, he announced over $12 million in Community Project Funding awards for FY2026 to support infrastructure, public safety, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. He voted NAY on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act.
Immigration
HighWesley Bell voted against a measure in 2026 that aimed to crack down on undocumented migrants accused of crimes. He also introduced the No ICE Ads Act, legislation designed to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to promote U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or recruit its personnel. Additionally, he voted against the "Big Ugly Bill" due to its allocation of millions of dollars to the ICE budget, and has called for accountability regarding ICE operations and agents.
Healthcare
MediumWesley Bell voted "Nay" on H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," in 2025. He expresses support for universal healthcare and has criticized Republican opposition to healthcare subsidies. Bell argues that Republican actions contribute to rising healthcare costs and the potential loss of coverage for millions of Americans.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Wesley Bell |
|---|---|
| Economy | Wesley Bell has expressed concern about the cost of living and healthcare expenses for voters. He voted YES on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included investment in the St. Louis defense workforce and a 3.8% raise for servicemembers. Additionally, he announced over $12 million in Community Project Funding awards for FY2026 to support infrastructure, public safety, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. He voted NAY on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act. High |
| Immigration | Wesley Bell voted against a measure in 2026 that aimed to crack down on undocumented migrants accused of crimes. He also introduced the No ICE Ads Act, legislation designed to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to promote U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or recruit its personnel. Additionally, he voted against the "Big Ugly Bill" due to its allocation of millions of dollars to the ICE budget, and has called for accountability regarding ICE operations and agents. High |
| Healthcare | Wesley Bell voted "Nay" on H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," in 2025. He expresses support for universal healthcare and has criticized Republican opposition to healthcare subsidies. Bell argues that Republican actions contribute to rising healthcare costs and the potential loss of coverage for millions of Americans. Medium |
| Climate & Energy | Wesley Bell views climate change as a crisis, emphasizing the need for action and environmental justice to ensure all communities have a clean and healthy environment regardless of their race, income, or ZIP code. He advocates for the removal and cleanup of radioactive waste near Westlake Landfill and Coldwater Creek. He also voted Nay on H.R.4758, the "Homeowner Energy Freedom Act" on February 25, 2026. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Wesley Bell states that every person deserves the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference. As a county prosecutor in 2022, he was among the first to sign a letter vowing against prosecuting those seeking or performing abortions. Bell pledges to fight for women’s rights to access safe and legal reproductive healthcare, including abortion and birth control, and supports federal legislation to codify the central components of Roe v. Wade. High |
| Foreign Policy | Wesley Bell voted against the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, citing concerns over the removal of Democratic amendments, politicization of the armed forces, and insufficient oversight. He advocates for strengthening alliances and addressing global challenges, including supporting global democratic allies such as Ukraine and Baltic security initiatives. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he worked to prevent unauthorized troop reductions in Europe and South Korea. High |
| Education | Wesley Bell introduced the Reinvest in Public Schools Act of 2026, which allows public school districts to refinance bonds at lower rates, reinvesting savings into classrooms and facilities. As a former educator, he believes every student deserves a world-class public education, regardless of background, supporting diverse post-high school paths, including colleges, trade schools, and HBCU initiatives. High |
| Gun Policy | Wesley Bell supports gun safety laws to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence, which he views as a preventable issue affecting communities. He co-introduced the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act on April 23, 2025, proposing $360 million in grant funding for state and local gun buyback programs. This initiative aims to prevent gun violence and remove unwanted firearms from communities. High |
Get updates on Missouri 1st Congressional District
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.