Representative in Congress District 1 in Congressional District 1, Missouri

2026 Primary Election

• Paul Berry Iii — Candidate for Representative in Congress in MO

  Paul Berry III is a Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Missouri for the 2026 Primary Election. He gained attention for filing a redistricting lawsuit to compel state lawmakers to redraw congressional maps based on the 2020 census, arguing existing districts are unconstitutional due to population changes, notably in St. Charles County. He advocates conservative values, positioning himself against "Joe Biden and Socialist Democrats." Early in his political career, Berry began as a Democrat, representing Maryland Heights in the Missouri State House.

• Andrew Jones — Executive Vice President for Business Development and Marketing at Southwestern Electric Cooperative in St. Louis, MO

  Andrew Jones is a St. Louis businessman and Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Missouri's 1st Congressional District in 2026. A 30-year St. Louis resident, he holds a B.S. in economics from Lincoln University, an M.A. in international business from Webster University, and an M.B.A. from Washington University. Jones began his career in power and energy and previously served as an executive vice president for business development and marketing at Southwestern Electric Cooperative. He previously ran unsuccessfully for St. Louis mayor. Jones is driven by a desire to ensure opportunity for the next generation, focusing on funding for police and military. He criticizes the incumbent's "activist position," advocating for policies that integrate all stakeholders for growth.

• Alissa Murphy — Candidate for U.S. Representative in MO

  Alissa Murphy is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Missouri's 1st Congressional District. She is scheduled to appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary on August 4, 2026. Murphy is one of several candidates competing in this primary race. According to available campaign finance data, her campaign has not reported any contributions or expenditures for the 2026 election cycle.

• Carl E. Harris Sr — Business owner in MO

  Carl Harris Sr., a Democratic candidate, is seeking election to the U.S. House to represent Missouri's 1st Congressional District in the August 4, 2026, primary. He brings a diverse background to his campaign, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1991. Academically, Harris is well-educated, holding a high school diploma from O’Fallon Technical High, a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis (1991), a graduate degree from Northcentral University (2019), and a Ph.D. from National University (2023). His professional experience includes working as a business owner.

• Cori Bush — Pastor in St. Louis, MO

  Cori Bush, a pastor, nurse, and Black Lives Matter activist, previously served as U.S. Representative for Missouri's 1st Congressional District from 2021 to 2025, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the seat. A St. Louis Democrat and member of "the Squad," she advocates for progressive policies including lowering costs, investing in public health, defending democracy, and protecting reproductive freedom. She is running to reclaim her congressional seat in 2026, aiming to fight for St. Louis and challenge corporate greed, following her primary defeat in 2024. She emphasizes a grassroots campaign, refusing corporate PAC money.

• Wesley Bell — Incumbent Representative in Congress in St. Louis, MO

  Wesley Bell is the incumbent U.S. Representative for Missouri's 1st congressional district, serving since January 3, 2025. A Democrat, he previously held the position of prosecuting attorney for St. Louis County from 2019 to 2025. Bell, 51, is focused on public safety and bipartisan collaboration. He has sponsored legislation aimed at expanding affordable housing through the Vacancy to Value Act, modernizing disaster warnings with the Tornado Preparedness Act, and improving mail delivery performance in St. Louis via the St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform Act. His re-election efforts for 2026 highlight these community-focused initiatives. Between January 2025 and May 2026, he missed 3.2% of roll call votes.

• Carl Earnest Henderson — Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in MO

  Carl Henderson is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Missouri's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 primary election. He is listed as participating in the Democratic primary. Henderson is also featured on GoodParty.org, a platform for candidates who commit to operating outside the traditional two-party system. Candidates on this platform pledge to be independent, people-powered through grassroots funding, anti-corruption, and to uphold civility in their campaigns. This suggests Henderson is a candidate focused on transparency, accountability, and avoiding special interest influence.

• Tom Schmitz — Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in MO

  Tom Schmitz, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, is a Libertarian Party candidate running for election to the U.S. House to represent Missouri's 1st Congressional District. He will appear on the ballot for the Libertarian Party primary on August 4, 2026. Advocating for a people-powered approach, Schmitz aligns with principles of running outside the traditional two-party system, rejecting the influence of special interests and big money in campaigns. He also pledges to uphold accountability, transparency, and civility in his political endeavors.