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Democratic congressman Wesley Bell secured victory in the St. Louis area primary election on Tuesday, preventing progressive former representative Cori Bush from returning to Congress. The contentious race centered heavily on differing positions regarding U.S. support for Israel and the conflict in Gaza, marking a reversal in a political landscape where pro-Palestinian candidates have recently gained ground in Democratic primaries.
Bell’s win came two years after he first defeated Bush with substantial financial backing from pro-Israel advocacy groups. This year’s rematch featured significant spending from organizations supporting Israel’s position, including approximately $3 million invested by a Super PAC connected to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Bush, a member of the progressive “Squad” caucus and self-described democratic socialist, campaigned against what she characterized as unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel, which she linked to genocide in Gaza.
Beyond the Middle East policy dispute, the candidates clashed over economic issues and pandemic relief measures. Bell, a former prosecutor, criticized Bush’s opposition to an infrastructure bill, while Bush contended the legislation lacked necessary social spending. The district remains heavily Democratic, positioning Bell as the frontrunner for the general election in November and a second congressional term.
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Originally reported by Theguardian →
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