Following her primary defeat on Tuesday, Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) promised to take action against a major pro-Israel PAC that supported her rival. This loss, which saw her ousted by St. Louis County District Attorney Wesley Bell, marks the second setback for the progressive “squad” this election cycle.
The United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s super PAC, heavily funded Bell’s campaign. Bush had been vocally critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which garnered serious controversy and backlash.
Cori Bush United States Representative, Cori Bush (D-Mo.) promised to retaliate against a prominent pro-Israel PAC that endorsed her rival
In a passionate speech after her loss, Bush declared that her departure from Congress would only fuel her resolve. “Now, without Congress, I am unshackled,” she asserted. “This defeat has radicalized me further, and those responsible should be worried.”
Bush emphasized her intent to challenge AIPAC directly, stating, “I’m coming to dismantle your empire!” Her criticism of Israel, which she described as an “ethnic cleansing campaign,” and her introduction of the Ceasefire Now Resolution earlier this year, had drawn intense scrutiny from both congressional peers and her district constituents.
Wesley Bell’s campaign received substantial support from AIPAC, which, according to Sludge, contributed two-thirds of Bell’s campaign funds, with over $7 million spent to defeat Bush. This defeat, following Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-N.Y.) earlier loss to a similarly backed opponent, has sparked concerns among progressives about AIPAC’s influence in Democratic primaries.
Ocasio-Cortez has voiced the need for a serious discussion about AIPAC’s role in these elections, criticizing its financial influence and divisive tactics.
The primary results, combined with Bowman’s defeat, reduce the “squad” from nine to seven members, though the original four members elected in 2018 are expected to remain. AIPAC, meanwhile, has defended its involvement, asserting that it supports a broad range of Democratic candidates and aligns with progressive values in its support of Israel.
