Democratic Representative Cori Bush made history in 2020 by becoming the first Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress, as well as its first nurse and an organizer affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement. As she approaches Tuesday’s primary, Bush is optimistic but faces a challenging race against Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County prosecutor, in what is the second most expensive House primary of 2024.
“My community knows who I am,” Bush stated in an interview. “This district has seen me for the last 10 years going from activist to ‘politivist.’ They know I will fight for the people in the streets.”
Bush gained national attention when she defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Lacy Clay in 2020 and secured re-election in 2022. However, this current primary marks her most difficult political battle. Bell criticized Bush’s performance, claiming, “The congresswoman is not doing her job. She is not working with others, and it’s hurting our district.”
The fierce competition for Missouri’s First Congressional District follows the recent defeat of incumbent New York Representative Jamaal Bowman, which adds to the stakes of the race. Spending for Bush’s and Bell’s campaign has reached nearly $19 million, making it one of the most costly primary contests in the nation.
Bush acknowledged the high stakes and emphasized the strength of her ground game as they campaign vigorously to secure votes.
In a show of support, Bowman joined Bush for a virtual campaign call, accompanied by several fellow Squad members. He expressed his sympathy towards Bush’s situation, having recently experienced a primary loss himself.
Over $14.8 million has been spent by the pro-Israel super PAC United Democracy Project to target Bowman, and more than $9 million has been allocated in support of Bell, while opposing Bush. This organization has criticized Bush for her outspoken stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza and her early calls for a ceasefire. Most of the advertisements against her have focused on her votes regarding major Democratic bills.
Usamah Andrabi from Justice Democrats commented on the spending, stating it highlights the influence of Bush as a candidate who symbolizes resistance against corporate interests. In response, Bell dismissed these claims, suggesting that such support for his campaign should not be viewed as suspicious or hypocritical.
Dialogue between the two candidates has not included a formal debate, although both have raised issues with one another. A recently leaked recording from a phone call in June revealed Bell previously claimed he was not running against Bush.
As the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death approaches, tensions related to this event resurface. Bush, a key organizer in the protests that followed Brown’s shooting, has remained supportive of his family, while Bell, who had served as a municipal prosecutor, reopened the investigation into Brown’s death but concluded that no charges were warranted.
In a recent advertisement, Michael Brown Sr. accused Bell of dishonesty regarding the decision to not charge the officer involved. Bell defended his actions, emphasizing the importance of evidence in prosecutorial decisions.
Looking ahead, Bell has outlined a focus on jobs, gun safety, and affordable healthcare if elected. Bush, meanwhile, hopes to secure her position to continue advocating for reproductive rights, homelessness, and the Equal Rights Amendment in Congress. “There are quite a few things on my list,” she remarked.