Cori Bush Loses Missouri Dem House Primary against Pro-Israel Opponent

Representative Cori Bush (D., Mo.), the progressive “Squad” member who recently stopped short of calling Hamas a terrorist organization, lost a competitive House primary bid Tuesday night against St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell, who positioned himself as a pro-Israel alternative during the race.

The Associated Press called Bell’s primary victory at 11 p.m. EDT. He will now vie for Bush’s place in the House come November, facing the winner of Tuesday’s GOP primary in a district that President Joe Biden won by more than 60 points in 2020.

The congresswoman has represented Missouri’s first congressional district, which covers St. Louis and the northern part of St. Louis County, since 2021.

Bush suffered a primary loss reminiscent of Representative Jamaal Bowman’s (D., N.Y.), another Squad member who faced intense criticism for his anti-Israel rhetoric since October 7. He was defeated by Westchester County executive George Latimer in June.