Second Left-Wing ‘Squad’ Member Loses Primary Bid

Democratic Rep. Cori Bush lost her primary bid against St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District on Wednesday, The New York Times projected.

Bush lost by 5.6%, bringing in 45.6% while Bell brought in 51.2% of the vote, according to The New York Times. Bush is the second member of the “squad,” an informal group of nine far-left House members, to be ousted by a primary challenger after Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York lost his primary bid against Westchester County Executive George Latimer on June 25.

“At the end of the day, whether I’m a congresswoman or not, I’m still taking care of my people,” Bush said.

*I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the people of this district have placed in me,” Bell said in a statement. “This victory belongs to every volunteer, every supporter, and every voter who believes in our vision for a better future.”

Just a week out of the race, Bush was trailing six points behind Bell, according to a survey conducted by the Wellman Group from July 29. Prior to the latest poll, Bush was facing an over 20-point deficit against Bell, according to a survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates from July 14.

Bush, like her fellow “squad” member Bowman, faced criticism and a significant polling deficit after taking a pro-Palestinian stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Bush has continuously called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal” who “stood for genocide.” Bush, along with other “squad” members, voted against a resolution condemning Hamas for starting an “unprovoked war on Israel” on Oct. 7.

As a result of Bush’s remarks and her voting record, various pro-Israeli groups, like the American Israel Affairs Public Committee (AIPAC) and the Jewish Democratic Council of America, have opted to back Bell. AIPAC alone has spent nearly $9 million on ads against Bush in support of Bell in the race.

“AIPAC’s grassroots members are proud to support strong pro-Israel progressive Democrats like Wesley Bell,” AIPAC said in a statement to The Associated Press on Aug. 1 ahead of the election. “Cori Bush has been one of the most hostile critics of Israel since she came to Congress in 2021 and has actively worked to undermine mainstream Democratic support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

“I am committed to serving the St. Louis region in Congress with integrity, transparency, and dedication,” Bell said in the statement. “Together, we will tackle the challenges ahead and build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

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