On Tuesday, Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) was projected to lose her primary election, marking a serious setback for the progressive “squad” in Congress, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Bush’s defeat by St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District makes her the second squad member to be ousted this year, following Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.).
The loss of Cori Bush in the primary election is a setback for the progressive movement within the Democratic Party
The attention and funding Bush’s race attracted were substantial, with pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP), spending approximately $9 million to defeat her. Bush had been vocal in her criticism of Israel’s actions against Hamas.
Bush’s campaign faced concerns that the influx of money would be insurmountable, leading to debates within the party about grassroots organizing strategies. The possibility of a high-profile loss for Bush was anticipated to prompt a reevaluation of how progressive candidates approach well-funded opponents.
With Bush’s primary loss confirmed, Bell is expected to secure the seat in the general election this fall. In addition to her Middle East policy positions, Bush faced scrutiny over a federal investigation into allegations of misusing campaign funds for special House security, claims she denies.
While Tuesday’s results signal challenges for progressives, the cycle’s outcomes have been mixed. Despite Bush and Bowman’s setbacks, other progressive figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are likely to win reelection, and Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) previously won her primary despite financial disadvantages. These varied results highlight ongoing challenges for progressive incumbents against better-funded challengers.
