Yet another member of the so-called “Squad” has lost their primary amid criticism of their stance on Israel.
On Tuesday, St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell defeated Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) in her primary.
“Bush, a member of the House ‘squad’ of progressive lawmakers like Bowman, was already earmarked for a tough primary in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District – which ended up being the second-most expensive primary of the cycle, behind only Bowman’s race in New York. Her fierce advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza added fuel to opponents’ fire,” CNN noted.
Earlier this year, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) also lost his primary as pro-Israel groups targeted him for his opposition to Israel’s war against Hamas.
The outlet pointed out that Bell also began to gain attention during the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, over the death of Michael Brown.
Bush’s primary opponent originally planned to run against Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), but late last year ended his Senate bid and announced his primary challenge to the progressive congresswoman.
Bell is expected to win the general election.
Bush had drawn the ire of pro-Israel groups over her opposition to Israel’s war against Hamas, claiming after the Oct. 7 massacre that “Israel’s collective punishment against Palestinians for Hamas’ actions is a war crime.”
Additionally, she has been criticized for her fierce advocacy of the push to defund police departments while spending thousands of dollars on private security.
