It’s been one of the more closely watched U.S. House races during the 2024 primary season: Second-term Democrat Congresswoman and “Squad” member Cori Bush faced a serious challenge for her seat in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell — a progressive himself — outraised Bush and led in most polls heading into Election Day.
Now, the race has been called, and Bell has been declared the winner. With 52 percent of the vote reported, Bell leads Bush by 12 points. The signs were there ahead of Tuesday’s results.
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One of the key factors in the race (aside from Bush’s penchant for being a sensationalist) was her embrace of the progressive anti-Israel stance following the horrific October 7 attack by Hamas. As I noted at the time Bell announced his entry into the race:
Just Sunday, Bush demonstrated her desperate need for a dictionary as she accused Israel of an “ethnic cleansing” campaign. In short, she’s ripe for being primaried by a saner, more competent contender, which, despite his progressive leanings, Bell unquestionably is.
Moreover, Bush has taken heavy criticism for her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, something for which Bell provides a welcome contrast.
This time around, Bush would have to face not only local criticism for what some label as being anti-Israel, as opposed to pro-Palestine.
The powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee — a well-funded lobbying group known for directing funds against candidates it deems unfriendly to Israeli interests — has publicly lambasted Bush for her recent stances in regards to Israel.
Bush’s district includes several municipalities with a substantial Jewish population, including University City, Creve Coeur, Olivette and part of Clayton.
Bell on Monday was sharply critical of Bush’s stance on Israel: “We can’t give aid and comfort to terrorists, and Hamas is a terrorist organization.”
None of which is to characterize Bell as a moderate. But given that the First District votes overwhelmingly Democrat (Bush beat her Republican challenger in 2022 by almost 50 points and nearly 60 points in 2020), Bell is likely to be seen as a viable alternative to Bush.
Again, Bell should not be mistaken as a moderate. He is, however, sane and competent and will almost certainly be a better representative for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District than Bush has been.
And soon, Bush will join her fellow Squad member, Jamaal Bowman, in the Congressional Alumni Club.
