Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the St. Louis region, my constituents, and all the families across the country who have been impacted by the gun violence epidemic, an epidemic forgotten by some, intentionally ignored by others, that still ravages my home and our Nation. As a former prosecutor, sadly, I have had a firsthand view of what families go through after losing a loved one to gun violence. I truly have no words for the heartbreak and devastation I have witnessed these families shoulder. What is worse is that this isn't a complex equation.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+61D shift +11$1.3M raised
Wesley Bell
Representative · Missouri · Democrat
Wesley Bell
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud Representative of the largest Bosniak population outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to stand in solidarity with them. Over the weekend, we marked 31 years since more than 8,300 Bosniaks were murdered at Srebrenica. Today, we remember the victims and stand with the families and survivors. Srebrenica should never have happened, and yet it did--not because the world didn't know but because in too many places, the world chose to look away. As co-chair of the Bosnia Caucus and as a St.
Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of all of those impacted by last year's devastating tornado. People deserve a recovery process that is prompt, transparent, and responsive to their community's actual needs. However, time and time again, President Trump and his administration have failed to meet those needs. Sadly, those impacted by last year's tornado have joined a long line of communities around the country pleading with this administration to do its fair share in their recovery process.
Biography
Wesley Bell, a former public defender and prosecutor, was elected as U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 1st District in 2024. Drawing on his legal experience, Bell champions criminal justice reform, public safety, and economic opportunity. He has authored legislation to expand alternatives to incarceration and serves on the House Judiciary Committee. Bell is recognized for building coalitions across communities to advance practical solutions, representing his district with a focus on fairness and transparency.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented Missouri's 1st congressional district for 1 term.
Prosecuting Attorney, St. Louis County, Missouri
2019–2025Elected countywide in 2018 and became the first Black prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County when he took office in January 2019.
Council Member, City of Ferguson, Missouri
2015–2019Elected to the Ferguson City Council in 2015 following the Ferguson protests.
Municipal Court Judge, Velda City, Missouri
Appointed as a municipal court judge in Velda City.
Municipal Prosecutor, Riverview, Missouri
Served as a municipal prosecutor in Riverview, Missouri.
Professor of Criminology, Florissant Valley Community College
Joined the faculty of Florissant Valley Community College as a professor in the criminology department.
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement29%
Health14%
Armed Forces and National Security14%
Emergency Management7%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Wesley Bell's record in Congress.
Criminal Justice Reform
Ended prosecution of low-level marijuana possession cases as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney.
Cash Bail Reform
Implemented policies to reduce reliance on cash bail for nonviolent offenses in St. Louis County.
Conviction Integrity Unit
Established a Conviction and Incident Review Unit to investigate wrongful convictions and police misconduct.
Diversion Programs Expansion
Expanded diversion programs to offer alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders in St. Louis County.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Armed Services
- House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rep. Wesley Bell FAQ
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