ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell has emerged victorious in a Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Cori Bush in St. Louis, marking the second instance this year where an incumbent from the party was defeated in a contentious race fueled by disagreements over the conflict in Gaza.
Bush, a member of the progressive congressional group known as the “Squad,” sought a third term in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, encompassing St. Louis city and part of St. Louis County. Bell is heavily favored to secure victory in this heavily Democratic district in the November elections, where his party aims to regain control of the U.S. House.
“I am dedicated to serving the St. Louis region in Congress with integrity, transparency, and commitment,” Bell said in a statement. “Together, we will address the challenges ahead and cultivate a community where everyone can prosper.”
In a passionate concession speech, Bush expressed her determination to continue her work, even outside of Congress.
“Regardless of whether I hold a congressional title or not, I will always advocate for my community,” Bush stated.
Bell’s campaign received significant support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, whose super PAC, United Democracy Project, spent $8.5 million to defeat Bush. She was targeted due to her repeated criticism of Israel’s actions in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
This strategy had previously succeeded earlier in the year in New York. In June, the United Democracy Project spent $15 million to oust another Squad member — U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman. Bowman was defeated by George Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist.
A statement from United Democracy Project highlighted the victories of Bell and Latimer, as well as John McGuire’s victory over U.S. Rep. Bob Good in a Republican primary in Virginia, as evidence that advocating for Israel is both good policy and good politics across party lines.
In her concession speech, Bush reaffirmed her commitment to her beliefs.
“We will continue to support a free Palestine,” Bush stated, with a member of the audience responding, “Free, free Palestine.”
Bush had previously referred to the Israeli retaliation as an “ethnic cleansing campaign” in October. Following the Hamas attack, she criticized Israel’s actions, calling it a “war crime” on social media.
Her comments sparked controversy, even among some of her supporters in the district. Bell, who was initially planning a Senate run against Republican incumbent Josh Hawley, decided to challenge Bush instead. He emphasized that Bush’s comments regarding Israel were “misguided and offensive” in an interview with The Associated Press.
Bush countered by pointing out that AIPAC donors typically support former President Donald Trump and other Republicans.
“This is just the beginning,” Bush stated. “If they can remove me from office, they will continue to target more Democrats.”
Both Bush and Bell gained leadership experience during the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, following the death of Michael Brown at the hands of a police officer in 2014. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Brown’s death, which led to extensive protests.
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