“Squad” Member Cori Bush Loses Missouri Democratic Primary
Charlie Kirk Staff
08/07/2024

In Missouri’s predominantly Democratic 1st Congressional District, voters issued a strong message to the progressive wing on Tuesday by voting against Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., for a third term.
The “Squad” Democrat was defeated in her primary by St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, a more moderate candidate who had significant support from pro-Israel groups that invested heavily to unseat Bush due to her criticisms of the Jewish nation, Fox News reports
Bush is now the second member of her ultra-progressive group to lose a primary, following Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., who was also defeated by a moderate pro-Israel Democrat.
Both Bush and Bowman belong to a growing faction of Democrats critical of the U.S.’s traditionally strong ties to Israel, a rift that has been particularly evident since Hamas’ terror attack on October 7 last year.
In the aftermath of the attack, Bush remarked about Israel’s response, stating, “Israel’s collective punishment against Palestinians for Hamas’ actions is a war crime.”
Despite Bowman’s loss, Bush did not alter her approach and instead doubled down on her progressive stance, holding a virtual rally the night before Election Day with Bowman and prominent Israel critic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., among others.
Earlier this year, Bush disclosed that she was under investigation by the Justice Department, Federal Election Commission, and House Ethics Committee over her husband’s paid position as a member of her security detail.
Bush accused “right-wing organizations” of spreading false claims about her misuse of campaign funds for personal security services in a statement on January 30.
Throughout the campaign, Bush and her supporters attempted to portray Bell as leaning more towards the right by highlighting his past volunteer work for an anti-abortion Republican candidate.
BREAKING: Embattled squad member Cori Bush (@CoriBush) blames right-wing folks for her troubles following the announcement she is being investigated by the Justice Department for allegedly misusing government funds designated for private security. WATCHpic.twitter.com/eahYDyEpyT
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) January 30, 2024
Though Bell ran his campaign under the progressive banner, the issue of Israel created a significant divide between him and Bush. Bell called Bush’s comments about Israel “wrong and offensive,” according to the Associated Press.
Bell is now the frontrunner to secure the House seat in November.