Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush addresses supporters during a campaign event on January 27, 2024, in Northwoods, Missouri. Voting in the Democratic House primary race closes soon.
Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush faces a critical challenge in the upcoming Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District seat.
Bush rose to national prominence in 2020 when she unseated long-serving incumbent Rep. Lacy Clay. Her advocacy began as part of the Ferguson protests following the police shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager. Since her election, she has been a vocal member of the progressive faction of the House known as “the Squad.”
In 2021, she protested the expiration of the eviction moratorium by sleeping on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. A staunch supporter of abortion rights, she has also campaigned to repeal laws that threaten access to reproductive healthcare.
Representative Cori Bush protests the expiration of the eviction moratorium outside the U.S. Capitol on July 31, 2021, alongside activists and Congressional staffers.
This year, Bush’s outspoken criticism of the Israeli government and advocacy for Palestinian rights has energized her opponent, Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County Prosecutor. After Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, some Jewish leaders expressed outrage over Bush’s comments regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, in which she referred to them as an “ethnic cleansing campaign.” Israeli officials have attributed the civilian casualties in Gaza to Hamas’s tactics.
As of August 2, the United Democracy Project, linked to AIPAC, reported spending over $8.5 million to support Bell’s campaign against Bush, highlighting the intense financial backing involved in this primary.
While Bush acknowledges the criticism, she remains committed to her stance, arguing that her advocacy for Palestinian rights is not at odds with her condemnation of Hamas. She sees parallels between Black Americans’ struggle for civil rights and the Palestinian quest for self-determination.
“I’ve denounced Hamas repeatedly. However, I refuse to support legislation that stokes anti-Palestinian sentiment,” Bush stated in a recent interview. “Condemning Hamas does not equate to disregarding the rights and lives of Palestinians.”
AIPAC Ads Engage Voters on Different Issues
Bush claims that pro-Israel groups, like the United Democracy Project, have been deceptive in their advertising strategy. She argues that their ads focus primarily on her votes not aligned with President Biden’s policies rather than transparent discussions about Israeli actions.
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Cori Bush hold up signs during President Biden’s State of the Union address at the Capitol on March 7, 2024.
She indicated that in a district with a majority of Black voters, neither she nor Bell believes that Israel’s stance is a major concern impacting voting decisions. She brings attention to how prominent Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have called for a ceasefire in Gaza amidst rising tensions.
“If that’s why candidates are running, why not address that in your campaign?” Bush remarked. “It’s frustrating to see manipulation in this race, particularly when our constituents are facing urgent issues at home.”
Marty Murray, a Bush supporter, shared that during his outreach efforts across her district, he hasn’t met any voter expressing concern over her Palestinian advocacy. “The consensus seems to be that the focus should be on local issues, not foreign conflicts,” he noted.
Wesley Bell has previously stated that Bush’s comments regarding Israel influenced his decision to run for the Congressional seat instead of pursuing a Senate bid.
St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell speaks to voters about his campaign on September 18, 2023, in Glendale, Missouri.
In July, Bell remarked, “We don’t wish any harm to innocent Israelis or Palestinians, but we must uphold our commitments to democratic partners and stand against terrorism.”
His campaign has garnered support from various constituencies including trade unions and local officials like Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones. Bell’s reputation as a significant presence in St. Louis County politics stems from his earlier tenure, particularly in the wake of the tumultuous events surrounding Michael Brown’s death.
As the primary campaigns heat up, questions about each candidate’s alignment on both domestic and foreign issues will continue to shape the voter sentiment leading to election day.
Focus on Records and Campaign Strategies
Bell has expressed concerns regarding Bush’s record in Congress, noting her opposition to key votes aligned with President Biden, such as the infrastructure bill and the 2023 debt ceiling negotiations.
“Effective politics requires collaboration. My successful track record speaks to my ability to bring people together,” Bell concluded. “That sets me apart in this race.”
With a significant investment in campaign advertising from both sides, the outcome of this primary is anticipated to reflect deeper sentiments and priorities within the community regarding leadership and representation.
