Community Activist and Black Lives Matter surrogate, John Collins-Muhammad lost his bid for State Representative of arguably, the most sought-out state house district in St. Louis.
On Tuesday, August 2, in a square off with millionaire, Steven Roberts, veteran democratic committeeman, Jesse Todd, and former Harris-Stowe State University professor, Brian Elsesser to represent the citizens of the 77th District in the House of Representatives. This was perhaps the most competitive race this past election cycle as eyes were on Collins-Muhammad and Roberts. In what most would consider a close contest, Roberts prevailed with 1,895 against Collins-Muhammad’s 1,280. Todd took 965 votes and Elsesser came in last with just 655.
One could assume that if Todd was not in the race, Collins-Muhammad would have easily won. Collins-Muhammad who is no stranger to the political arena went up against a $200,000 Roberts war-chest. Roberts is a member of one of the city’s most storied family dynasties, which brought him name recognition and political support. But all of the money, name recognition, and endorsements didn't’ deter Collins-Muhammad who stumped hard everyday going door-to-door and his constant will to reach out to voters. At the very beginning, many higher-ups in the political establishment doubted John had any shot, but as the old saying goes “the numbers don’t lie”. Roberts beat Collins-Muhammad in the race, but in the fight for respect, its’ safe to say Collins-Muhammad came out on top.
The question that everybody is asking is what’s next for John Collins-Muhammad?
With a possible mayoral run from current, 21st Ward Alderman Antonio French, some believe the community activist will make a run for the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. Collins-Muhammad has not gave any indication that he wishes to work in City hall as of yet, but it’s no guess that this young man’s political journey has just begun.