State Rep. Michael Burton, a Democrat from south St. Louis County, has proposed making St. Louis the nation’s 51st state. While discussing a state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Burton suggested that St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County should secede from Missouri to form their own state. Although no formal legislation has been filed yet, Burton expressed the idea in response to President Trump’s calls for Canada to become the 51st state.
Burton’s proposal aligns with similar movements in Illinois and Oregon, where rural residents want to separate from their states and join neighboring Republican-leaning states. Burton argued that St. Louis residents should keep their tax revenue within the city and county to benefit the local economy. While St. Louis has Democratic leanings, St. Louis County tends to vote Republican, and no Democrats represent St. Charles County in the Legislature.
The idea of creating a new state from St. Louis and its surrounding counties may face challenges, but Burton is known for his persistence in advocating for causes. He previously led efforts to save a local landmark from development and has a history of pushing for change. Although his proposal may not gain traction, it has sparked discussions about political dynamics and representation in Missouri. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and other local officials have raised concerns about what they perceive as a hostile takeover of the city by state government.
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