Eleventh Ward Dems — including Villas — back Wright-Jones
Party leaders were relieved when State Rep. Tom Villa decided not to seek the 5th District Senate seat, a possibility that could have resulted in no African-American senators representing St. Louis. 
But although Villa is not running himself, he is now aligned with a candidate: State Rep. Robin Wright-Jones, her campaign announced today.
His support, however, is not quite a straight-forward endorsement.
Villa was one of four Democratic leaders from the Eleventh Ward — the southernmost ward in the city — to vote this weekend to endorse Wright-Jones.
The panel also included ward Committeewoman Kathy Gamache and Committeeman Joe Ryan, and Tom’s nephew, Alderman Matt Villa.
Even so, Villa’s support — whatever form it takes — is a boon for Wright-Jones, who has watched citywide elected officials Greg F.X. Daly, Jennifer Joyce and Lewis Reed fall behind her primary rival, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard.
Tom Villa – a Democratic stalwart who has held office at City Hall or Jefferson City for the better part of 30 years – could help Wright-Jones shore up her support in south St. Louis, where seasoned voters will remember Villa’s father (and Matt’s grandfather), legendary alderman Albert “Red” Villa.
Pulling in the Villa family is a big upset for Robin. This will definitely give her more firepower on the southside. Tom’s endorsement couldn’t have come at a better time for Robin.