Progressive Democrat Cori Bush Loses Primary Race in Missouri

Democratic Congresswoman and “Squad” member Cori Bush has lost her primary race in Missouri, according to US media projections. Wesley Bell, a St. Louis prosecutor, will be the party’s candidate in the state’s first congressional district this November.

Bush, a nurse and prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement gained national attention when she took office in 2021. As a member of the “Squad,” a group of progressive Democrats, she has been an outspoken advocate for progressive causes.

Cori Bush has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which led to significant opposition. Pro-Israel groups spent over $10 million on efforts to unseat her in the primary. Both the Associated Press and NBC News project Bell will win the vote with 51% of ballots cast, compared to Bush’s 46%. The district is a Democratic stronghold, making Bell the likely winner in the general election.

Most of the money spent against Bush reportedly came from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group, has vowed to spend over $100 million to unseat progressive lawmakers critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In her concession speech, Bush stated, “All they did was radicalize me, so now they need to be afraid. AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down.” This marks the second loss for the “Squad” during the 2024 election cycle. In June, Jamaal Bowman, another critic of Israel, was ousted from his New York seat after a record $15 million was spent against him.

Before the vote, Bell accused Bush of not doing her job effectively, stating, “She is not working with others, and it’s hurting our district.” Bush defended her record, saying, “My community knows who I am. They know that I am going to fight for the people in the streets.”

Less than two weeks after the October 7 attacks, Bush introduced a resolution calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. The attacks, carried out by Hamas and other militant groups, resulted in around 1,200 deaths in Israel and 251 hostages taken to Gaza.

In response, Israel declared a “complete siege” on Gaza, leading to significant casualties. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 39,600 people have been killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Bush also boycotted a joint address to Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July, labeling him a war criminal and accusing him of genocide. In a statement before the vote, Bush claimed Congress was “actively celebrating” Netanyahu’s actions.

Cori Bush has also faced investigations by the Justice Department, House ethics committee, and Federal Elections Commission for alleged misuse of campaign funds, primarily concerning payments to her husband for security services. She has denied these claims as “simply false.”

Three other US states—Kansas, Michigan, and Washington—also held primary elections on Tuesday. In Washington, Dan Newhouse, one of the last Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump, narrowly advanced in his primary.

Washington state’s “jungle primary” system allows the top two finishers, regardless of party, to move to the general election. Newhouse, an agricultural scientist, faced two Trump-endorsed candidates and appears to face a tough challenge in November.

Of the ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, only Newhouse and California’s David Valadao remain in the House. All others have either left Congress or been defeated in primary races.