Voters in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District dealt a blow to the left’s progressive wing on Tuesday. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., of the Squad, was denied a third term.
Bush, a prominent member of "The Squad," lost her primary to St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell. Bell, a more moderate candidate, had support from pro-Israel groups. They spent millions to unseat Bush due to her criticisms of Israel.
Bush is the second ultra-progressive to lose a primary this cycle. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., also lost to a moderate pro-Israel Democrat.
This division among Democrats reflects growing tensions over the U.S.-Israel relationship, intensified since Hamas’ terror attack on October 7 last year. In response to Israel’s actions, Bush had called the collective punishment of Palestinians a "war crime."
Despite Bowman's loss, Bush continued to embrace her progressive base. She held a virtual rally with Bowman and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., on the eve of the election.
Earlier this year, Bush faced investigations from the Justice Department, Federal Election Commission, and House Ethics Committee. The investigations focused on her husband's paid role in her security detail.
Bush accused "right-wing organizations" of spreading false claims about misuse of campaign funds. She made these accusations in a statement on January 30.
Bush and her allies attempted to portray Bell as a right-leaning figure due to his past volunteer work for an anti-abortion Republican. Bell, however, campaigned as a progressive but criticized Bush’s comments on Israel as "wrong and offensive."
Bell is now favored to win the House seat in November.