St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell defeated Congresswoman Cori Bush on Tuesday, August 6 2024, ending the two-term lawmaker’s tenure in the U.S. House.
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Bell won 51% of the vote, compared to 45% for Bush and 2.6% for former state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal. Given the heavily Democratic nature of the St. Louis and St. Louis County-based 1st District, Bell is now heavily favored to win in November 2024.
“This district is ready for better and more accountable representation in Washington, D.C.,” Bell said at a victory celebration in St. Louis. “Progressives should actually make progress. And that’s what I’ve done my entire career.”
Bell’s victory is notable for the support he received from pro-Israel groups, who spent millions to boost his candidacy due to Bush’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
This marks a setback for the St. Louis progressive movement that has gained traction in recent years.
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Bell’s win also makes him the second member of “the Squad” to lose reelection, following New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s loss to George Latimer in June.
“I try to stay away from the labels because I think that’s part of the problem that leads to the political gridlock in our government now, which results in nothing getting done,” Bell said regarding his victory over another Squad member.
“I’m old enough to remember when Democrats and Republicans butted heads, reached that 11th-hour compromise, and they went and had a beer together. I believe I’m cut from that cloth.”
Bell cited Bush’s criticism of Israel as a key reason for ending his Senate campaign to challenge her. He also criticized Bush’s effectiveness and promised a more collaborative approach to bring more resources to the St. Louis region.
“I believe in leading from the front and setting the example,” Bell said. “I don’t want anybody that’s working with me to think that they’re outworking me, because you’re not going to do that.”
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