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Wesley Bell and Cori Bush Face Off in Missouri Democratic Primary Rematch

Democratic voters in Missouri's first congressional district will decide on Tuesday whether to elect incumbent Wesley Bell or former congresswoman Cori Bush. The race serves as a proxy battle over the Democratic party's stance on Israel, with Bell representing a moderate, pro-Israel position and Bush advocating for a more progressive, critical view of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Bell, a former St. Louis County prosecutor, has secured significant backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has spent millions to support his reelection. In contrast, Bush, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is seeking to reclaim her seat after being ousted by Bell in 2024. While both candidates share roots in the Ferguson anti-police-brutality movement, they differ on legislative priorities and personal records. Bell has been criticized for his perceived lack of results, while Bush has faced scrutiny over her activist style and specific votes against the administration's infrastructure bill. The primary will be the first held under a new congressional map designed by the administration to favor Republicans.

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