Democrat · Missouri's 2nd District · 2026
Fred Wellman
Wellman grew up in Kirkwood and followed his family's military tradition to West Point and a career flying Army helicopters.
Biography
Fred Wellman grew up in Kirkwood, the son of a World War II Marine, and followed his family's military tradition to West Point.1 Today, the father of four lives in Wildwood with his fiancée, Heather, dogs Ash and Maple, and a cat named Shugs.1 Hiking around the region is one of his interests away from politics.1
His Army career included flying scout helicopters, service in Korea, Desert Storm and three later tours in Iraq.1 He deployed with the 101st Airborne during the 2003 invasion and later worked at the Pentagon before retiring in 2010.1 He also earned a master's degree at Harvard's Kennedy School between Iraq deployments.1
Civilian life brought ScoutComms, a business helping companies and nonprofits work with veterans and military families.1 During the pandemic, he helped organize staffing and operations for New York's Ryan F.1 Larkin field hospital.1 His political experience includes serving as executive director of the Lincoln Project and hosting the On Democracy podcast.1
Wellman is challenging Republican Ann Wagner on a platform that includes restoring health insurance subsidies, reversing Medicaid cuts and offering a public health insurance option.2 He also backs stronger union rights and expanded veterans' mental health services.2 He opposes the Iran war and broad tariffs, issues he connects to household costs.3 He is bidding to flip a seat that has been comfortable Republican territory in the St. Louis region.3