Wesley Bell defeats Cori Bush

Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, has won a Democratic primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, who is a prominent member of the progressive 'Squad.' This defeat, influenced heavily by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) which spent $8.5 million to support Bell, highlights deep divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Bell's victory marks a significant moment as he is expected to easily win in the overwhelmingly Democratic district in the November elections. Bush, who has been critical of Israel's actions following the October 7 Hamas attack, stated in her concession speech that she remains committed to serving her community regardless of her congressional status. The primary was notably expensive, with outside groups contributing a total of $18.2 million, making it one of the costliest in House history. AIPAC's strategy has successfully targeted other progressive Democrats, as seen earlier this year with the defeat of Rep. Jamaal Bowman.