ST. LOUIS—Lewis Reed, one of the most powerful figures in St. Louis politics, resigned late Tuesday afternoon as President of the Board of Aldermen following his federal indictment last week on “pay-to-play” corruption charges.

What You Need To Know

  • Reed described it as a “very difficult decision,” and thanked St. Louis “for the greatest challenge and honor of my life

Reed, 59, was charged Thursday along with now-former Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, who resigned Friday, and former Alderman John Collins-Muhammad, who stepped down several weeks ago.

Reed is accused of accepting bribes to help steer tax abatement projects through the city.

Reed said after his court appearance that he intended to stay on as Board President, although a day later he handed over presiding duties to Alderman Joe Vollmer.

“The President of the Board of Aldermen is a unique position with both legislative and executive duties. With this being such a pivotal time for our City, I wanted to ensure to have the necessary discussions over the past few days to add whatever insight and experience I could to make the transition of my office as smooth as possible," Reed said in a statement that largely focused on his achievements. "It is essential to assure the citizens have access and the best service available in such a pivotal role. I cannot fulfill these duties as I take the time to focus on my family and my current legal challenges.”

 

 

 

 

Reed was elected to represent the city’s 6th Ward in 1999 and had been President of the Board of Aldermen since 2007. He ran unsuccessfully for Mayor three times, in 2013, 2017 and in 2021, when he was defeated by Tishaura Jones, a political rival. 

"It’s no secret Lewis Reed and I have been at odds for years, but I remain disappointed it came to this. The troubling charges brought by the US Attorney pull back the curtain to highlight how those elected may exploit our city for their own benefit and profit; this has been an incredibly dispiriting, but necessary, moment of reflection for our city. I’m praying for the loved ones whose world has been turned upside-down in the past week through no fault of their own," Jones said in a statement, while adding that "This problem runs deeper than a few individuals." 

Reed's announcement came after nearly a dozen current board members called for his resignation.

Vollmer, who became the board’s Vice-President, moves into the role of Acting President, a position he’ll hold until a November special election, which would determine who would hold the spot until Reed’s term expires after the April election.

The change also puts Vollmer on the three-member Board of Estimate and Apportionment, along with Jones and Comptroller Darlene Green. “We are grateful that Mr. Reed has decided to do the right thing; and with his resignation, the city can now move forward," Green said Tuesday.

The next full meeting of the Board of Aldermen is set for Friday.