Progressive Congresswoman Cori Bush from Missouri may be facing a tough primary as divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel intensify.
Factions within the Democrats are clashing over U.S. support for Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following Hamas’s attack on October 7, over 39,200 Palestinians and around 1,200 Israelis have reportedly died, according to various sources.
In a recent primary, Representative Jamaal Bowman, another progressive member of “the Squad,” lost to a pro-Israel candidate supported by AIPAC, showing the growing influence of pro-Israel sentiments in Democratic races.
A recent poll by The Mellman Group, conducted for the Democratic Majority For Israel PAC, indicates that Bush is in a precarious position. Challenger Wesley Bell currently leads her by six points, 48% to 42%, ahead of the August 6 primary.
Alex Wong
“As candidates campaign, Democrats in Missouri’s 1st District are growing disillusioned with Bush and showing interest in Bell,” said DMFI PAC Chairman Mark Mellman. He noted a concerning rise in voters doubting Bush’s effectiveness and honesty in the last month.
Bush has been vocal about her call for a ceasefire since Israel’s recent military actions began, labeling them as genocidal against Palestinians. She argues that U.S. military aid supports ongoing violence and division in the region.
Recently, she joined other Democrats in boycotting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Congressional address, condemning pro-Israel lawmakers for “green-lighting genocide.”
On the other hand, Bell, currently the St. Louis County prosecutor, has vowed to maintain U.S. support for Israel, asserting Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7 attacks.
The Bush campaign accuses Bell of being funded by “MAGA extremists” aiming to strip away abortion rights, linking his funding to Republican influences.
Some Jewish constituents have expressed disappointment in Bush, with over 30 rabbis from the St. Louis area endorsing Bell and criticizing her stance on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, as reported by Jewish Insider.
Pro-Israel organizations, including AIPAC and DMFI, have invested over $7.6 million in campaign advertising to support Bell and challenge Bush, following the trend seen in Bowman’s recent primary loss with about $15.6 million spent in his race.