Missouri primary rematch tests former rep. Cori Bush’s vow to take down AIPAC

Missouri's 1st District primary on Tuesday pits Rep. Wesley Bell against former Rep. Cori Bush in a rematch of 2024, when AIPAC spending helped Bell defeat Bush. AIPAC has spent about $3 million this cycle, mostly opposing Bush, down from nearly $9 million in 2024. Bell has raised $3.6 million, Bush $1.3 million. A Polymarket prediction gives Bell a 66% chance, while an April HIT Strategies poll showed a statistical tie (Bell 44%, Bush 40%). Both are Black progressive Democrats from Ferguson, but diverge on Israel, with Bush accusing Israel of genocide and vowing to fight AIPAC.

Missouri primary voters face a rematch on Tuesday between incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell and former Rep. Cori Bush in the 1st Congressional District, a race that tests the influence of AIPAC after its 2024 spending helped oust Bush. AIPAC has invested about $3 million this cycle, mostly opposing Bush, a significant drop from the nearly $9 million spent in 2024. Bell has raised $3.6 million, while Bush has raised $1.3 million. A Polymarket prediction gives Bell a 66% chance of winning, but an April HIT Strategies poll showed a statistical tie, with Bell at 44% and Bush at 40%. Both candidates are Black progressive Democrats who emerged from the Ferguson protests, but they diverge sharply on Israel. Bush, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, accuses Israel of genocide and vows to dismantle AIPAC's influence, while Bell maintains strong support for Israel and enjoys backing from mainstream Democrats. The race is seen as a barometer of AIPAC's traction in Democratic strongholds amid shifting party sentiment on Israel.