St. Louis, MO — August 7, 2024 — In a closely watched and contentious Democratic primary, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell has unseated Rep. Cori Bush in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. This marks the second time in 2024 that a Democratic incumbent has been defeated in a costly and deeply divisive race, highlighting significant intra-party conflicts over the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Candidates and the District
Cori Bush, a prominent member of the progressive congressional group known as “the Squad,” was seeking a third term representing Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, which encompasses St. Louis city and parts of St. Louis County. Bush has been a vocal advocate for various progressive causes, including police reform and support for Palestinian rights.
Wesley Bell, the current St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, is heavily favored to win the general election in November in this overwhelmingly Democratic district. His victory is seen as a key component of the Democratic Party’s strategy to regain control of the U.S. House.
Campaign Statements and Promises
In his victory statement, Bell emphasized his commitment to the St. Louis region and his dedication to addressing local challenges with integrity and transparency. “Together, we will tackle the challenges ahead and build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Bell stated.
Bush, in a defiant concession speech, reiterated her commitment to her constituents and her advocacy work. “At the end of the day, whether I’m a congresswoman or not, I’m still taking care of my people,” Bush declared, reaffirming her dedication to her causes even outside of Congress.
Financial Backing and Influence
Bell’s campaign received substantial financial support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project (UDP), spent $8.5 million to support Bell and oust Bush. Bush was targeted due to her repeated condemnation of Israel’s actions following the October 7 Hamas attack and her perceived lukewarm stance on Hamas itself.
This strategy of targeting pro-Palestinian representatives has proven effective earlier in the year. In June, UDP invested $15 million to defeat another member of “the Squad,” Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York, replacing him with George Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist.
UDP celebrated these victories, with a statement noting, “The wins by Bell and Latimer, along with John McGuire’s defeat of Rep. Bob Good in a Republican primary last week in Virginia, is further proof that being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics on both sides of the aisle. UDP will continue our efforts to support leaders working to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance while countering detractors in either political party.”
Responses and Reflections
Bush’s concession speech was marked by her continued support for Palestinian rights. “We will keep supporting a free Palestine,” Bush affirmed, to which a crowd member responded, “Free, free Palestine.”
Bush’s outspoken criticism of Israel, including calling its retaliation in Gaza an “ethnic cleansing campaign,” sparked backlash from some constituents and critics. These comments came in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack, which Bush condemned, but she also criticized Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinians as a war crime.
Campaign Dynamics and Historical Context
Bell, who had initially planned to run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Josh Hawley, shifted his focus to challenge Bush following her controversial remarks about Israel. Bell described Bush’s comments as “wrong and offensive,” prompting his decision to enter the primary race.
Both Bell and Bush have roots in Ferguson, Missouri, where they emerged as leaders following the death of Michael Brown in 2014. Brown’s death at the hands of a police officer sparked widespread protests and highlighted racial tensions in the region.
Bell has a history of advocating for community policing and justice reform. As St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, he reopened the investigation into Brown’s death, though he ultimately found insufficient evidence to charge the officer involved.
Campaign Focus and Achievements
Bush’s campaign highlighted her accomplishments for St. Louis, including securing $2 billion in funding for the 1st District and her pivotal role in extending the federal eviction moratorium during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bell’s campaign underscored his progressive credentials, such as his stance against prosecuting abortion cases in a state with restrictive laws and his efforts to create diversion programs for mental health and substance abuse issues. Additionally, his office has been proactive in examining potential wrongful convictions.
Broader Election Results
In other election news, Missouri’s 3rd District Republican primary saw Trump-endorsed Bob Onder defeat former state senator Kurt Schaefer. Onder, a physician and former state senator, is expected to easily win against Democrat Bethany Mann in the November general election.
Trump’s endorsement played a significant role, with the former president lauding Onder as an “incredible America First Patriot” while criticizing Schaefer as “WEAK ON MAGA.”
Looking Ahead
As the general election approaches, Wesley Bell’s victory signifies a pivotal shift in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District and reflects broader national trends within the Democratic Party. The ongoing debates over U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine, as well as other progressive issues, will likely continue to shape the political landscape leading up to November.
