Melissa Price Smith, a Democrat, is running for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. Theo Brown Sr., a Libertarian, is also in the race.
Smith was sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position in St. Louis County history, she said in our questionnaire.
Asked why she is running, Smith said in our questionnaire: "I'm seeking election as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney to continue the work of keeping St. Louis County safe and strengthening our justice system."
Candidate information
Family: "I was born and raised in St. Louis County and am a proud mother to my son and daughter. My mother and twin sister also live in St. Louis County, and having family close by means a great deal to me," Smith said in our questionnaire.
Education: "I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and my Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law," Smith said in our questionnaire.
Experience and public service
Smith said in our questionnaire: "I joined the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in 2008 and have dedicated nearly two decades of my career to serving the people of St. Louis County." Before becoming prosecuting attorney, she supervised the office's Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team, she said.
Asked about accomplishments, Smith said in our questionnaire: "We have worked to clear a backlog of approximately 6,000 unreviewed cases, added a second grand jury … and strengthened our approach to violent crime through dedicated units focused on homicides and other serious offenses."
On the issues
Violent crime: Smith said in our questionnaire: "I reinstated our Violent Crime Unit, established a dedicated Homicide Unit, and strengthened our approach to gun violence. We implemented a policy against straight probation for gun-related crimes, including shootings, armed robberies, homicides, armed drug sales, and felon in possession cases."
Diversion: Smith said in our questionnaire: "I believe accountability and rehabilitation can work together when appropriate. Since taking office, I have expanded diversion and treatment programs for nonviolent offenders, focusing on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and reducing repeat offenses."
