Progressives' anti-AIPAC wave hits a snag in St. Louis
Rep. Wesley Bell defeated Cori Bush for a second cycle in a row.
Progressive candidates campaigning against AIPAC and Israel's actions in Gaza have seen a setback in Missouri's 1st District election, despite their previous success in primary contests. Former Rep. Cori Bush narrowly lost her bid against Rep. Wesley Bell, a Democrat who has previously denounced the conflict in Gaza as a “genocide.”
Bell's decisive victory suggests that Democratic voters' opposition to politicians supportive of Israel is not absolute, even as broader public sentiment shifts against Israel. The race featured a stark contrast from the 2024 contest, with AIPAC spending significantly less this year and progressive groups failing to provide Bush with crucial airtime support.
Bell secured his win with the backing of establishment Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, while Bush relied on endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Socialists of America.
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