Cori Bush and Wesley Bell

Rep. Cori Bush lost her bid for reelection in Missouri's 1st Congressional District to Wesley Bell, a local prosecutor backed by pro-Israel groups, marking the second primary defeat for a member of the progressive 'Squad.' Bush, who first gained prominence as a Black Lives Matter activist, faced criticism for her anti-Israel stance and her handling of various controversies, including a federal criminal investigation into her campaign finances. Bell, who campaigned on community-based policing and reform, secured over 54% of the vote compared to Bush's 41.8%. The pro-Israel lobby, particularly AIPAC, invested heavily in the race, contributing to Bush's downfall amidst her declining polling and fundraising numbers. In her concession, Bush warned that her defeat signals a broader threat to progressive Democrats. This election reflects growing tensions within the Democratic Party over foreign policy and local governance issues.