Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in his primary on Tuesday, thwarting an attempt by left-wing groups, including the Democratic Socialists of America, to avenge Bush’s 2024 loss.
Why it matters: It’s a win for the Democratic establishment in an election cycle where triumphs against left-wing insurgents have been few and far between.
- Bell’s win was propelled in part by United Democracy Project, the super PAC arm of AIPAC, which spent more than $3 million to thwart Bush’s comeback, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
- Bell was also endorsed by House Democratic leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus, while Bush had the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and left-wing groups such as DSA and the Justice Democrats.
Driving the news: Bell led Bush by 45 percentage points with about a quarter of precincts reporting as of Tuesday evening, with the Associated Press projecting he would win the nomination.
- Bush, a former progressive organizer, represented the St. Louis-based seat from 2021 to 2025.
- She lost her 2024 primary to Bell amid a campaign finance scandal and roughly $9 million in AIPAC ad spending.
By the numbers: In addition to UDP, the super PAC of the center-left New Democrat Coalition and the American Bridge-affiliated Project 218 spent another $1.1 million and $250,000, respectively, supporting Bell.
- Bush was supported by a little over $200,000 in collective outside spending from progressive groups, including MoveOn and the Working Families Party.
- Bell also out-raised and outspent Bush, bringing in nearly $3.6 million and spending more than $2.9 million as of July 15, compared with Bush’s $1.3 million in fundraising and $1.2 million in spending.
What’s next: Bell is all but certain to win in November — former Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district by 57 percentage points in 2024.
