A well-funded pro-Israel super PAC that has previously influenced congressional elections is now targeting Missouri Democrat Cori Bush for removal. Bush, based in St. Louis, drew attention for her criticism of Israel’s response to attacks by Hamas, describing it as an “ethnic cleansing campaign,” and was one of the few who opposed a resolution supporting Israel. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, has allocated over $8.4 million to unseat Bush in the upcoming Democratic primary against St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, based on federal campaign finance records.
According to a statement from AIPAC, the organization is supporting Bell because of Bush’s strong anti-Israel stance, which they believe undermines mainstream Democratic support for the U.S.-Israel relationship. This situation adds to the complexities Democrats face in this election cycle due to differing views on President Joe Biden’s response to the Gaza conflict. A previous instance saw progressive U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman lose his seat after United Democracy Project spent nearly $15 million against him.
Despite the financial pressure from AIPAC, Bush remains confident in the support of St. Louis voters, stating her consistent values of peace, democracy, diplomacy, and humanity. The criticism she faced for calling Israel’s actions a war crime after the Hamas attack led to backlash but also shaped Bell’s decision to challenge her in the primary.
Bell, like Bush, has a background in civil rights activism but has expressed strong opposition to Bush’s comments on Israel, calling them offensive and incorrect. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution in the Middle East. The race has garnered support from various groups, with AIPAC backing Bell and other organizations supporting Bush.
Progressive groups, including Reject AIPAC, have come together in support of Bush and other Squad members, such as Reps. Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The debate around the influence of super PACs like AIPAC in elections has also been raised, with Justice Democrats criticizing AIPAC’s involvement in the race and questioning the impact of money in politics.
Bush has received endorsements from key Democratic leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and others, while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has chosen not to intervene in the Missouri race. The outcome of the primary will showcase the ongoing clash within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy and support for Israel.
