Key Facts
- Winner
- Rep. Wesley Bell
- Loser
- Former Rep. Cori Bush
- Spending ratio
- 27-to-1 (Bell and allies outspent Bush)
- United Democracy Project spending
- $2 million in this primary; $9.3 million in 2024 primary
- Projection source
- NBC News
Background
Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in a Democratic primary rematch in Missouri, NBC News projects. The race was the latest chapter in a long-term fight over a deep-blue St. Louis-based district.
Bell's campaign and outside allies outspent Bush by a 27-to-1 ratio, according to AdImpact, an ad-tracking service. United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to AIPAC, spent $2 million to support Bell, largely through negative ads attacking Bush.
AIPAC had previously helped Bell oust Bush two years ago, with United Democracy Project pouring $9.3 million into ads in that primary, accounting for nearly half of the spending in the race.
Current Situation
As Bell cast his vote Tuesday, he criticized Bush for focusing on Israel and talking 'over and over ... about an issue that is not impacting folks right here in St. Louis.' He added, 'The M in Missouri doesn't stand for Middle East. It stands for Missouri.'
At a campaign stop later Tuesday, Bush hit back at Bell's claims and said Missourians 'are not happy' that he filled his 'campaign coffers' with money from outside groups. She asked, 'Why are they meddling in our primaries? Why does he allow that?'
This year, Bush ran two TV ads in the primary, each linking Bell to AIPAC and casting him as more interested in sending money to Israel than Missourians, including those suffering from the aftermath of last year's tornado. Bell presented himself as a fighter against President Donald Trump.
| Category | Bell and allies | Bush |
|---|---|---|
| Total spending ratio | 27 | 1 |
| United Democracy Project spending (this primary) | $2 million | N/A |
| United Democracy Project spending (2024 primary) | $9.3 million | N/A |
Impacts
The outcome could affect the political landscape in the St. Louis-based district, which is considered deep-blue. Bell's victory may signal the continued influence of outside spending in Democratic primaries.
Voters expressed concerns about the role of money in politics. Sidney Clark, a Democratic candidate for state representative, said he supported Bell in 2024 but voted for Bush this cycle because Bell, in his view, has 'been paid for.' Airest Wilson, another Democratic voter, said candidates who take corporate money cross a red line for him.
Bush said Tuesday that if she were to lose, it would not be a setback for the progressive movement. 'If there is a loss, then that just means that there is more work for us to do,' she said.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Bell wins the general election, he would continue to represent the district in Congress. His victory in the primary may embolden AIPAC and similar groups to invest in other races.
Bush's defeat could prompt progressives to reassess their strategies in primaries, particularly regarding campaign finance and outside spending. However, the long-term impact on the progressive movement remains unclear.
The race's focus on Israel may continue to influence Democratic primaries, especially in districts with significant constituencies concerned about U.S. policy in the Middle East. Future contests could see similar dynamics if outside groups remain active.
Source: nbcnews.com
