In a closely contested primary, St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell has defeated incumbent Rep. Cori Bush for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District seat, according the Associated Press. The victory marks a significant shift in the district, with Bell positioning himself as a centrist alternative to Bush’s progressive stance. The race was fiercely competitive and attracted a lot of outside money, making it a key indicator of the current state of the Democratic Party.
Bell’s campaign to unseat the two-term incumbent centered on practical solutions, criticizing Bush for prioritizing her national profile over local issues.
“You can’t just cheer from the bleachers or grandstand just for yourself,” Bell stated in his campaign ads.
National focus on Bell vs. Bush
According to national news reports, including the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the primary saw substantial financial backing from pro-Israel groups, notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Democratic Majority for Israel.
Axios reported these organizations collectively poured millions into Bell’s campaign, contrasting with the more modest funding Bush received from progressive groups like Justice Democrats. This financial disparity became the focus of national headlines as it became one of the most expensive Congressional races in recent memory.
Antisemitism on the ballot
On July 22, The St. Louis Jewish Light published a story headlined ‘Antisemitism is on the ballot’ and the issue became a significant factor in this election after the local group “St. Louis Votes” launched a campaign to maximize Jewish voter turnout, emphasizing the impact of antisemitism on the ballot.
“In a time of heightened antisemitism and extremism, the entire Jewish community’s voice needs to be heard,” said St. Louis Votes’ CEO Benjamin D. Singer. This campaign underscored the broader stakes of the election and likely influenced voter engagement.
Bush, a member of the progressive “Squad,” has been a vocal critic of Israel. In 2022, the Jewish Light reported Bush opposed Iron Dome funding, because it goes to “apartheid state’s military.” Her controversial tweets and stance on these issues has drawn both strong support and criticism. Pro-Israel groups have targeted her for her positions, contributing significantly to Bell’s campaign as a countermeasure.
My statement on the ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NIt9G7aLMI
— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) October 8, 2023
Despite the financial onslaught, Bush’s campaign remained focused on her record of activism and legislative efforts for social justice. However, Bell’s emphasis on local issues and highlighting Bush’s votes against President Joe Biden’s popular infrastructure bill won the day.
