Missouri congressional primary features rematch between Bush and Bell
U.S. Representative Wesley Bell defeated former Representative Cori Bush in a Democratic primary rematch in Missouri's 1st Congressional District. The race was heavily influenced by significant spending from pro-Israel political groups following Bush's criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.
Why it matters
The outcome highlights the ongoing influence of foreign policy debates and external political spending on internal Democratic Party primary contests.
By DAVID A. LIEB Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] --> Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell has won a rematch in a Democratic primary against former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush.
Bell’s primary victory is likely to propel him to reelection in November in the heavily Democratic 1st Congressional District in St. Louis.
Bell, a former St. Louis County prosecutor, was backed by a political group affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The pro-Israeli group also financed his ouster of Bush in the 2024 primary after Bush criticized Israel’s response in Gaza to Hamas’ attack on Israel in 2023.
Bush had been a part of a progressive group of House members known as the Squad.
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