AIPAC front and center in Bell-Bush rematch
The rematch between Rep. Wesley Bell and Cori Bush puts the U.S.-Israel relationship under scrutiny.
The 2024 Missouri 1st District race between Wesley Bell and Cori Bush has taken on a new significance as both candidates are seen as representing the polarized factions within the Democratic Party. Bush, a progressive representative, accuses her opponent, Bell, who received significant financial support from AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobby, of being "paid for by AIPAC."
AIPAC's super PAC, the United Democracy Project, spent at least $2.1 million on ads in the primary, while Bell's campaign matched that with over $2 million in airtime. Despite the heavy spending, Bush's campaign has been backed by progressive groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Bell, however, has dismissed the AIPAC funding, stating that he supports campaign finance reform and urges accepting criticism of allies. The rematch comes at a time when a growing number of Democrats identify Israel's actions in Gaza as a "genocide," with 50% of adults holding this belief according to a recent AP-NORC poll. Several progressive candidates have capitalized on voters' frustrations with party leadership and Israel's policies to secure victories.
This trend, dubbed the "Mamdani effect" after Zohran Mamdani's successful challenge to Andrew Cuomo, is evident in races across the nation, including Michigan's Senate race between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Rep. Haley Stevens. As St. Louis voters head to the polls, Bush emphasizes that the election is about the affordability and accessibility of healthcare, education, and other essential services.
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