Missouri Rep. Cori Bush Becomes Second House ‘Squad’ Member Defeated in 2024 Primary Elections

Mar. 15, 2025

Cori Bush.Photo:Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Missouri Rep.Cori Bushfailed to earn her party’s support for reelection in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, Aug. 6, putting an early end to her House campaign.

Bush lost the Democratic primary race to St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, according to theAssociated Press, making her the second member of the progressive congressional clique “The Squad” to be defeated in the 2024 primary elections.

Bell posted about his winon social mediaon Wednesday, Aug. 7, writing, “When I say we need to work together to move the #stlouis region forward, it’s not just campaign-talk or rhetoric, but as the voters of the 1st District said loudly and clearly — it is the expectation.”

He added, “I am honored & humbled to be chosen as the Dem nominee for the 1st District.”

Cori Bush.Michael B. Thomas/Getty

Michael B. Thomas/Getty

The congresswoman has represented the St. Louis area since 2020 and was running for a third term. In her concession speech, she said she’s still dedicated to “taking care of my people” regardless of her title, AP reports.

Bush’sofficial biodescribes her as an activist, nurse and a pastor. In her first year on the job, she introduced legislation to support the Green New Deal and keep people from being evicted during the COVID-19 pandemic. She alsosupportsMedicare for All and access to abortion care.

The group has expanded as new progressives have been elected, now including representatives like Bush, Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee, Texas Rep. Greg Casar and New York Rep.Jamaal Bowman.

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Both Bush and Bowman have been vocal in their criticism of Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, with AP also noting that the pro-Israel PAC United Democracy Project supported their opponents with millions of dollars. The outlet reports that the PAC spent $8.5 million to unseat Bush and $15 million to do the same to Bowman.

source: people.com