Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and former Rep. Cori Bush are set to face each other in a rematch for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District seat, following Bush's defeat in the 2024 primary. The contest is expected to highlight divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding Israel. Bush, a former member of the 'Squad,' lost her seat partly due to her stance on Israel, which has become a contentious issue in the party. Pro-Israel groups, including the United Democracy Project, invested $9.3 million to support Bell's campaign against Bush, who has been critical of Israel.
Bell, who has backing from House Democratic leadership and various organizations, holds a significant cash advantage. He has been portrayed in campaign advertisements as a proponent of progressive issues, including calls to abolish ICE. The primary race is anticipated to be less expensive than the previous cycle, with $330,000 already reserved for advertisements.
Justice Democrats, a group supporting Bush, criticized Bell's financial support from pro-Israel organizations, suggesting it could be a liability for him. Political analysts have noted that while Bush's previous tenure may influence voter perception, her past controversies, including a Justice Department investigation regarding campaign funds, could also impact her campaign. The primary election is scheduled for August 4.