Browning Challenges Green for Aldermanic President
Alderman Michael Browning announced a challenge to Aldermanic President Megan Green in the spring election, with a third candidate, Demetris Alfred, also running.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
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St. Louis Alderman Michael Browning announced he will challenge Aldermanic President Megan Green in the spring election, making it a three-way contest after retired firefighter and union official Demetris Alfred launched his campaign in June. Browning collected the voter signatures needed to get on the March ballot.
Why it matters
The aldermanic president is the city's top legislator and holds one of three votes on the Estimate Board, which approves nearly all city spending. The race centers on housing supply, with Browning arguing that constricting housing makes it unaffordable.
The aldermanic president holds one of three votes on the Estimate Board, which approves nearly all city spending. Homicides fell 30% from 2022 to 2025, a trend Green has tied to directing millions of dollars toward crime-prevention programs that use social services.
The players
Michael Browning
Alderman of St. Louis's 9th Ward, first elected in 2023 and reelected without opposition in 2025, who is challenging Green for aldermanic president.
Megan Green
St. Louis Aldermanic President who has presided over the Board of Aldermen since November 2022 and directed funding to crime-prevention programs.
Demetris Alfred
Retired city firefighter and union official who announced a campaign for aldermanic president in June.
The details
Browning blamed Green and other officials for chasing off a proposed $120 million, 300-unit apartment complex that was offered with demands for affordable units. Browning, first elected alderman of the 9th Ward in 2023 and reelected without opposition in 2025, says he will keep arguing that more housing availability will expand affordable options.
Timeline
June: Demetris Alfred announced his campaign for aldermanic president.
November 2022: Megan Green began presiding over the board.
2022 to 2025: Homicides declined 30%.
March: Municipal election ballot for the aldermanic president race.
Political Context
The race unfolds against a documented 30% drop in St. Louis homicides from 2022 to 2025, which Green has linked to her crime-prevention funding. Browning counters that the city's housing shortage is the more pressing issue, arguing that constricting supply has made housing unaffordable.
The outcome will determine who holds one of three Estimate Board votes that approve nearly all city spending. Residents concerned about housing costs may see the race's direction on apartment development and affordable-unit requirements.
The takeaway
Voters weighing the aldermanic race are choosing between competing views on whether housing supply or public safety funding should drive city priorities. The contest will test how residents rank those two concerns.
What happens next
The aldermanic president race will appear on the March municipal election ballot.
Further reading
Explore more on the Elections race shaping St. Louis's top legislative post.
Source note: This article includes information reported by STLtoday.
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