Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in a Missouri Democratic primary rematch on Tuesday, NBC News projects, in the latest chapter of a long-term fight over a deep-blue St. Louis-based congressional district.
Bell overwhelmed Bush on the airwaves, with his campaign and outside allies outspending her by a staggering 27-to-1 ratio, according to AdImpact, an ad-tracking service. United Democracy Project, the super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, spent $2 million to support Bell, largely through negative ads attacking Bush.
One such ad slammed Bush for being critical of former Vice President Kamala Harris, referencing her criticism of the Biden-Harris administration for supporting Israel during the Gaza conflict. As Bell cast his vote Tuesday, he criticized Bush for focusing on Israel and talking “over and over about an issue that is not impacting folks right here in St. Louis.”
“While we take those issues seriously, the M in Missouri doesn’t stand for Middle East,” Bell told NBC News. “It stands for Missouri.” At a campaign stop later Tuesday, Bush hit back and said Missourians “are not happy” that Bell filled his “campaign coffers” with money from outside groups. “Why are they meddling in our primaries?” she asked.
AIPAC loomed large in the race after it helped Bell oust Bush two years ago. United Democracy Project poured $9.3 million into ads in that 2024 primary, accounting for nearly half of the spending in the race. The rematch tested whether progressive candidates can overcome the financial firepower of pro-Israel groups in deep-blue districts.
Some voters expressed frustration with the influence of outside money. “There are people out there who are using their money and financial influence to buy candidates, and I think that’s the wrong direction for our country,” said one Democratic voter who switched from Bell to Bush this cycle.
The result is a significant blow to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which had rallied behind Bush’s candidacy. Bush had support from prominent progressives nationally, but that backing was no match for Bell’s massive financial advantage. The seat is safely Democratic, meaning Bell is heavily favored in November.
NBC News – Bell Defeats Bush in Missouri Primary. Politico – Analysis.
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