Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch

Political correspondent/columnist

No candidate shortages exist in Missouri's 2nd Congressional District, where another hopeful has stepped forward to try to unseat U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner in 2026.

Fred Wellman, a retired U.S. Army aviator, announced Wednesday he will run as a Democrat in next year's election.

Wellman's campaign noted that the Kirkwood native, who now lives in Wildwood, served 22 years as an Army aviator and completed four combat tours. He also hosts a podcast called "On Democracy."

Wellman's campaign announcement noted that he supports expanding access to healthcare, supporting veterans and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

In a statement, Wellman said residents of Wagner's district "deserve a representative who shows up, listens, and

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