ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.—Missouri Gov. Mike Parson named Melissa Price Smith, a veteran St. Louis County prosecutor, as his choice to become the next St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney when Wesley Bell resigns next month to take his seat in Congress. She would serve until Jan. 1 2027.

The move to name an appointee comes after St. Louis County Executive Sam Page named his own selection, former federal prosecutor Cort VanOstran, who the county administration says will serve in an acting capacity pending County Council approval.

Parson has filed suit, saying that state law gives him primary authority to make appointments. A judge in the case will hear arguments next week.

Smith has been with the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office since 2008 and currently leads the office’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse unit.

“We thank her for her willingness to serve and look forward to her leadership in fighting crime and safeguarding public safety in our state's largest metropolitan area," Parson said in a statement. 

Smith’s appointment by the governor would not require county council approval.

In a statement released by the governor’s office, Smith talked about having “worked in nearly every area of the office, prosecuting every type of crime. I will utilize this experience and institutional knowledge to fight for justice for crime victims, hold offenders accountable, and work with law enforcement towards a safer St. Louis County.”

In interviews, Bell, who has said he’ll resign January 2 ahead of his congressional swearing in the following day, said before Page’s announcement that he hoped his replacement would come from his management staff. He’s met with VanOstran since VanOstran’s selection and has pledged a smooth transition with whoever ends up in the position.

"As it stands, one of two very qualified individuals will lead the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's office and this matter will have to be resolved in the courts," a spokesperson for Bell's congressional transition told Spectrum News Thursday afternoon. 

Asked for comment on the announcement, a spokesperson for Page reiterated the county’s position on the question of legal authority to make the selection.

“The county charter clearly states that the county executive is authorized to appoint the prosecuting attorney when a vacancy occurs. We are confident the courts will agree. We will continue our focus on public safety.”