Cori Bush Faces Challenges in Upcoming Primary

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), a prominent member of the progressive "Squad," is at risk of losing her seat in the House of Representatives as she trails St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell in a recent poll ahead of the upcoming primary. While her outspoken criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza has drawn scrutiny, several other factors contribute to her precarious position. Bush's attendance record in Congress has significantly declined since her election in 2020. In the 117th Congress, she missed only nine votes, but in the current session, she has become one of the most absent members, missing numerous votes. This lack of participation has raised concerns among her constituents, particularly as she has also faced backlash for her opposition to key Democratic legislation, such as the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which she voted against in 2021. Additionally, Bush's priorities have come under fire, particularly regarding campaign finances. She is currently facing a Justice Department investigation related to payments made to her longtime security guard, who is now her husband. This scrutiny comes at a time when Bell is also dealing with a potential scandal involving a discrimination lawsuit from a former assistant prosecutor, adding complexity to the primary race. As the Democratic primary for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District approaches on Tuesday, both candidates are navigating their respective controversies, making the outcome uncertain in a race that could reshape the progressive representation in Congress.