Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-N.Y.) recent primary defeat has sent shockwaves through the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, particularly focusing attention on Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), another prominent member of the “Squad.” Bush, like Bowman, is a vocal critic of Israel and is currently embroiled in multiple controversies, making her vulnerable to a strong centrist challenger backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Bowman’s loss was partly attributed to the backlash he faced after pulling a fire alarm on Capitol Hill. Bush, on the other hand, is under federal investigation for allegedly misusing campaign funds to pay her husband for security services. Although she has denied any wrongdoing, the legal battles have drained a significant portion of her campaign funds, leaving her financially strained ahead of her August 6 primary.
Adding to the tension, the pro-Israel group Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) released internal polling data shortly after Bowman’s defeat, showing Bush in a statistical tie with her challenger, Wesley Bell, a local prosecutor. This is a dramatic shift from a previous DMFI poll in January, which had Bush leading by 17 points. Another independent poll conducted in February, after news of Bush’s investigations broke, showed Bell leading by 22 points.
Bell has garnered endorsements from AIPAC, DMFI, and the Jewish Democrats, a progressive pro-Israel group that also supported Bowman’s opponent. In contrast, Bush has not yet received endorsements from key Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), or Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.). According to sources within House Democratic leadership, these endorsements are expected but have not yet materialized.
Jeffries has made it a point to support incumbents as part of his leadership strategy. He and his leadership team have endorsed other Squad members like Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Summer Lee (D-Pa.), who face less severe primary challenges. They have also supported other embattled colleagues such as Reps. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.). However, while Jeffries endorsed Bowman, he did not actively campaign for him.
Multiple House Democrats, including some progressives, have expressed that they are not surprised by the delay in endorsing Bush. They describe her as an isolated member within the Democratic caucus. One progressive lawmaker, speaking anonymously, noted, “She doesn’t have the kind of relationships even that Bowman had … so I can imagine that it’s been difficult for folks in leadership to figure out how to be supportive of her.”
Another House Democrat added, “Most people understand the expression there’s no ‘I’ in team. I don’t think she got the memo.”
Despite these criticisms, some of Bush’s progressive colleagues view her independence as a strength. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) stated, “For Cori Bush, every vote is a conscience vote. I don’t think she goes along to get along. She’s always morally and politically authentic to her own views.” Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) echoed this sentiment, describing Bush as “very empathetic” and committed to standing up for people.
Bush’s campaign remains optimistic, emphasizing her accomplishments and dedication to her constituents. In a statement to Axios, her campaign said, “Congresswoman Bush is an unwavering and effective leader on behalf of the people she serves in Missouri’s First District. Throughout her tenure in Congress, she has partnered with colleagues on a range of issues including housing justice, abortion and reproductive rights, public safety, climate action, and fighting back against the extreme MAGA Republican majority. She has more than earned the caucus’ support in her bid for re-election.”
As the August 6 primary approaches, all eyes will be on Cori Bush to see if she can overcome the challenges she faces and secure her position. Her race will serve as a litmus test for the strength and resilience of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, especially in the face of well-funded centrist challengers backed by influential groups like AIPAC.
Source: Axios, Politico
