In a significant blow to the “progressive” wing of the Democratic Party, Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) lost her primary race on August 6, 2024. Bush, a prominent member of the progressive "Squad," was defeated by Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney. Bell secured 51.2% of the vote compared to Bush's 45.6%, with over 95% of ballots counted.
Bell's victory was heavily influenced by substantial financial support from pro-Israel groups, most notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP). These groups contributed approximately $9 million to Bell's campaign, contrasting sharply with Bush's campaign, which struggled with a comparatively smaller war chest.
Ghetto trash Cori Bush defeated overwhelmingly in her primary.
Thank you, Missouri. Oh Happy Day.
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) August 7, 2024
Bush's tenure in Congress has been marked by her strong progressive stances, including support for the BDS movement and vocal opposition to Israeli policies. These positions made her a target for AIPAC and other pro-Israel organizations, who viewed her defeat as crucial to their interests. Ads funded by UDP criticized Bush for neglecting local issues in favor of ideological battles, a narrative that resonated with voters in St. Louis County.
Despite her loss, Bush remains a symbol of the progressive movement, having been one of the first lawmakers to advocate for significant reforms such as defunding the police and supporting Black Lives Matter. However, these positions, coupled with her controversial stance on Israel, played a significant role in her primary defeat.
A "BLACK JOB" IS SOMETHING CORI BUSH DOES NOT HAVE 😂
OH HAPPY DAY! OH HAPPY DAY 😂
She is the Second Squad member to lose her seat! I can’t wait until they are all gone
They are all full of hate stupidity.
I’m laughing so hardWho’s laughing with me 🤚 pic.twitter.com/eyyOA30cWo
— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) August 7, 2024
Bell, who rose to prominence in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, emphasized his commitment to public safety and community engagement throughout his campaign. His victory is seen as a reaffirmation of pro-Israel sentiments within the district and a rejection of the far-left policies championed by Bush.
The defeat of Cori Bush follows the earlier loss of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), making her the second member of the "Squad" to be unseated this election cycle. These outcomes have led political analysts to speculate about the future of progressive candidates facing well-funded opposition.
Bush's loss is particularly notable as it comes at a time when the Democratic Party is grappling with internal divisions over key policy issues. The primary results indicate a potential shift within the party, as voters appear to favor candidates with more centrist or pro-Israel views over those aligned with the progressive faction.
Bell's win not only underscores the influence of financial backing in modern elections but also highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding its stance on Israel and other foreign policy issues. As the general election approaches, Bell is expected to maintain a strong position in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, which is solidly Democratic.
