For the first time in 13 years, the Missouri 2nd Congressional District will have a new representative in U.S. Congress: Democrat Fred Wellman, who walked away with the win on Nov. 3.

Wellman received 51.4% voter approval (169,477 votes) to oust Republican Ann Wagner, who received 46.21% of votes (153,132 votes). 

“Tonight the people of this district hired me to do the job the title says: represent people,” Wellman stated in a press release. “I served 22 years in the Army under presidents of both parties, and I never once asked a soldier how they voted. I’m not going to start now. If you voted for me, thank you. If you didn’t, I’m your congressman too, and I’ll see you at the town hall.

Wagner has served as the 2nd District’s representative since 2013. She is currently a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and her term will end on Jan. 3. 

“Families here are paying too much for gas, groceries and health care, and they want someone in Washington working on that,” Wellman stated in a press release. “That’s the job, and I’m ready to start. Thank you to every voter, every volunteer who knocked a door, and everyone who took a chance on a first-time candidate.”

Ellie Marshall contributed to this report.