Washington, DC – Progressive Democrat Cori Bush is fighting to keep her seat in Congress against a primary challenge from Democratic county prosecutor Wesley Bell in Missouri. The key issue in their race is how to approach Israel’s war in Gaza.
Bush, a vocal critic of Israeli military actions, believes the challenge against her is an attempt to silence critics of Israel and divide Democrats. Bell, on the other hand, has the backing of powerful pro-Israel lobbies and advocates for US support for Israel.
Their primary election is on August 6, to determine who will represent Missouri’s First Congressional District. Bush, a nurse and pastor, gained prominence as an activist after the killing of Michael Brown. She became the first Black woman to represent her district after an upset victory in 2020.
Bell, St. Louis County’s prosecuting attorney, has also been involved in criminal justice reform efforts in the aftermath of the Ferguson protests. While their policy positions generally align, their stance on Israel sets them apart.
AIPAC and its super PAC have spent millions to support Bell, while other progressive groups back Bush. Critics have raised concerns about the influence of outside spending on the race and its potential to undermine the will of the Democratic base.
This primary race has highlighted the broader debate within the Democratic Party over US relations with Israel and the influence of interest groups on political campaigns. Both candidates are contending to represent a district that leans Democratic, making the outcome of the primary crucial for the future of the party and its stance on foreign policy.
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