"Squad" member Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., suffered a primary defeat on Tuesday, losing her bid for a third term to St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell. Bell, a more moderate candidate, received backing from pro-Israel groups that heavily invested in his campaign, targeting Bush's criticism of Israel.
St. Louis, Missouri – "Squad" member Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., was defeated in her Democratic primary on Tuesday, marking the second time this year that an ultra-progressive member of the group has lost a primary race. Bush, who sought a third term in office, was ousted by St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, a more moderate candidate who had the support of pro-Israel groups.
Far-Left Democrat Cori Bush Loses Primary to Moderate Challenger Wesley Bell
Bell's victory highlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party, with moderate Democrats distancing themselves from the far-left wing represented by the "Squad." Pro-Israel groups spent millions of dollars to unseat Bush due to her criticism of Israel, indicating a shift in the party's stance on foreign policy.
Bush's loss follows the defeat of Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., in June. Bowman also lost to a moderate pro-Israel Democrat, demonstrating a trend within the party toward more centrist candidates.
Far-Left Democrat Cori Bush Loses Primary to Moderate Challenger Wesley Bell
On social media, Bush's loss was met with jubilation by many users who criticized her far-left views. The hashtag "#GoodRiddance" trended on Twitter, with users celebrating her defeat. Jewish actor Michael Rapaport expressed joy at Bush's loss, while conservative social media account Libs of TikTok declared, "The squad are too radical even for Democrats."
Incumbent House members rarely face ouster in primary challenges, making Bell's victory particularly notable. Bush's defeat has sparked a discussion about the future of the "Squad" and the growing divide within the Democratic Party.
Far-Left Democrat Cori Bush Loses Primary to Moderate Challenger Wesley Bell
Comedian Tim Young wrote on Twitter, "Even Democrats can't stand the squad." OutKick founder Clay Travis joked that Bush and Bowman, who is of Palestinian descent, were free to "join Hamas together." Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., quipped that he would "miss Cori Bush missing every committee meeting."
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., wrote, "Cori Bush is HISTORY… and not a moment too soon." Pundit T.J. Moe reacted, "Good riddance to the worst representation in the history of Missouri, Cori Bush."
Progressive activist Brianna Wu tweeted, "Cori Bush lost tonight because she didn’t take her district seriously, and because she became the national poster child for the most braindead progressive ideas like defund the police. Any future for progressive politics is going to look less like Bush and more like Walz."
Pro-Israel Democrat Steven Goldstein celebrated Bush's defeat, writing, "Listen up, folks: I’m a Democrat and I celebrate the defeat of Cori Bush. Her nonstop hatred of Israel and disdain for Jewish safety veered into pathological Antisemitism. Public life should have no place for hatemongers like her of either party, including the entire Squad."
Some on the left, however, accused pro-Israel groups, such as AIPAC, of smearing Bush with a multi-million dollar ad campaign and effectively buying the seat.
James J. Zogby, founder and president of the American Arab Institute, said, "AIPAC can gloat about taking out another member of the ‘squad,’" but in the end they’ll be losers. They & their allies spent over $13 million to smear & defame @CoriBush. Cori was much beloved & their treatment of her will not be forgotten."
In her concession speech, Bush claimed to have been radicalized and threatened to "tear" down AIPAC. Her comments drew further criticism and highlighted the growing tensions within the Democratic Party.
