Incumbent Democrat Rep.
Wesley Bell decisively defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in their primary rematch, tightening establishment control over Missouris 1st Congressional District and dealing another blow to the progressive Squad wing of the party.
According to The Post Millennial, Bell secured roughly 70 percent of the vote to Bushs 26 percent by around 9 p.m. Eastern, with about a quarter of ballots counted. Bush, who had attempted a comeback after losing her seat earlier this cycle, once again fell to the same opponent despite national attention and backing from the Democratic Socialists of America.
Bell, a more moderate and notably more pro-Israel Democrat, first unseated Bush in 2024 after her high-profile rise as a progressive in Congress. Bush frequently aligned herself with the far-left Squad, which includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and others, a bloc often at odds with traditional Democrats and virtually all conservatives.
Throughout the race, Bush attacked Bell over his support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), attempting to turn his pro-Israel stance into a political liability. Instead, Bells victory underscored the strength of the partys establishment wing, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC lining up behind him.
Bell is now heavily favored in November in the deep-blue St. Louisbased district, where Republicans face steep structural disadvantages despite growing national frustration with progressive policies. NBC News reported that Bell dominated the airwaves and outspent Bush by an astonishing 27 to 1 margin, highlighting the financial muscle behind his campaign.
On Election Day, Bell criticized Bush for obsessing over foreign policy while neglecting local concerns, saying she would go on over and over ... about an issue that is not impacting folks right here in St. Louis. And while we take those issues seriously, you know, the M in Missouri doesnt stand for Middle East, Bell added. It stands for Missouri.
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