ST. LOUIS – For the first time in 30 years, St. Louis will have a new comptroller. Incumbent Darlene Green, who has held the seat since 1995, lost her reelection bid Tuesday to challenger Donna Baringer.

Baringer narrowly secured victory over Green with 52% of the vote (25,267 votes) to Green’s 48% (23,767 votes), according to preliminary election results.

Green was appointed comptroller in 1995, and she had been reelected for the seat six times.

Baringer brings experience in local and state politics, serving as St. Louis’ 16th Ward Alderwoman from 2003 to 2017 and a Missouri House 82nd District representative from 2017 to 2025.

Addressing supporters after her win on Tuesday, Baringer said, “I’m crazy for what I do, but I’m good because I love what I do. I serve the citizens of the city, and I’ve never been prouder than tonight to know that they voted me in.

Green shared the following statement Wednesday via social media:

“Thank you, St. Louis for all of your hard work and support in this campaign! I’m proud of the campaign we were able to put together. So many supporters from across every part of the city came out for me.

I’m grateful for the strong support of those who voted for me. Thank you so very much. Even though we didn’t get the victory this time, we move forward with hope.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served the people in the city that I love with integrity and dignity for the past 29 years.”

The comptroller serves as the Chief Fiscal Officer of the City of St. Louis and directs staff to assist in the city’s daily financial operations and economic development strategies.

This wasn’t the only major shakeup in St. Louis city leadership. Also of note, challenger Cara Spencer unseated mayor Tishaura Jones after just one four-year term in office.