Congresswoman Cori Bush, a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” has been defeated in the Democratic primary for Missouri’s first congressional district. St. Louis prosecutor Wesley Bell edged out Bush with 51% of the vote, compared to her 46%, according to media projections.
Bush, who gained national attention as a Black Lives Matter activist before being elected to Congress in 2021, faced a well-funded campaign against her, largely driven by pro-Israel groups. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliates reportedly spent over $10 million to unseat Bush, who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Throughout her time in Congress, Bush has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and denouncing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal.” Her defeat comes just months after fellow “Squad” member Jamaal Bowman lost his primary following a similar influx of pro-Israel campaign spending.
In her concession speech, Bush remained resolute, vowing to continue her fight for justice and human rights. “This isn’t the end of our movement. It’s just the beginning,” she told her supporters.
Bell is now expected to easily win the general election in November in this strongly Democratic district. The outcome of this primary highlights the ongoing influence of pro-Israel lobbying in American politics, even as public opinion within the Democratic Party increasingly leans toward greater support for Palestinian rights.
Bush’s loss represents a significant setback for the progressive movement, but it also underscores the deepening divide within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy in the Middle East. Despite her defeat, Bush’s advocacy for marginalized communities and global human rights will likely continue to influence the national conversation.
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