Rep. Cori Bush, a member of the progressive “squad” of lawmakers, lost her primary to St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, who is expected to carry Missouri’s 1st Congressional District in November. The primary exposed divisions in the party on Israel, with Bush being critical of the country’s government and response to Hamas’ attacks. United Democracy Project, a super PAC tied to the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, spent nearly $9 million attacking Bush and supporting Bell, making it a high-profile race. Both candidates launched attacks against each other, with Bell criticizing Bush’s effectiveness as a congresswoman and Bush highlighting Bell’s failure to bring charges against the police officer who killed Michael Brown in 2014.
In Michigan, Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers won their respective primaries for the Senate race, setting up a competitive election in a crucial state. In Kansas, physician Prasnath Reddy will challenge Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids in a House battleground, and in Washington, Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez will face a rematch against Republican Joe Kent. Trump’s endorsement played a role in several primaries, including former state AG Derek Schmidt winning the GOP primary in Kansas’ 2nd District. Trump also saw success in Missouri’s 3rd District, where state Sen. Bob Onder won the Republican primary. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe won the GOP primary for governor in Missouri, setting up a race against Democratic state Rep. Crystal Quade. Overall, the primary elections set the stage for competitive races in key districts and states across the country.
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