Missouri primary rematch tests former rep. Cori Bush’s vow to take down AIPAC
JTA — Missouri primary voters will travel back two years when they head to the polls on Tuesday. There they’ll confront a rematch of two candidates whose previous face-off was largely defined by an influx of AIPAC cash that helped oust one of Israel’s most ardent critics in Congress.In 2024, AIPAC “demonstrated its clout,” in the words of The New York Times, with a massive contribution that knocked out incumbent US rep. Cori Bush in favor of challenger Wesley Bell. In her concession speech, she promised revenge.On Tuesday, Bush is seeking to make good on the pledge. But while she is competing against the same candidate, the political landscape around them has changed dramatically.Since Bush’s loss in the district representing the St. Louis metropolitan region, AIPAC has become a bogeyman in the Democratic Party and Israel a major campaign issue. Other anti-Zionist members of the Democratic Socialists of America have…
The Missouri primary on Tuesday features a rematch between former U.S. Representative Cori Bush and Wesley Bell, largely defined by AIPAC's financial involvement. In 2024, AIPAC's significant contributions helped Bell defeat Bush, an ardent critic of Israel. Bush, who lost her seat representing the St. Louis metropolitan region, vowed revenge and is now seeking to reclaim her position. The political landscape has shifted, with AIPAC becoming a more prominent and controversial entity within the Democratic Party, and Israel a major campaign issue, especially following the October 7, 2023, conflict.
- Bell has maintained his strong support for Israel, receiving over $1 million from AIPAC this cycle.
- Bush's campaign, like other Democratic Socialists of America candidates, accuses Israel of “carrying out a genocide in Gaza with the backing of US weapons and US dollars.”
- AIPAC spokesperson Deryn Sousa stated, “Bell is a principled fighter for the people of St. Louis, while Cori Bush spent her time in Congress missing votes and demonizing a key democratic ally.”
- Despite the increased national conversation about the Middle East, some strategists believe the Israel-Hamas conflict may not be the top issue for St. Louis voters, who are more concerned with local issues like the cost of living.
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