Cori Bush Loses Re-Election, But Not the Fight: Highlights from the Watch Party

Despite losing her re-election bid, Cori Bush’s watch party is a celebration of her fighting spirit and its impact on the social justice movement

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” faced a significant setback in her political career as she lost her primary race against St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell. The primary, which became a battleground over the party’s stance on Israel, ended with Bell’s victory, marking a significant win for the pro-Israel lobby and a blow to progressive politics.

Bell’s campaign gained momentum following the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel, during which Bush’s criticism of Israel drew the attention of United Democracy Project, a super PAC tied to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The PAC poured nearly $9 million into the race, amplifying attacks against Bush and boosting Bell’s candidacy. Bell, who initially entered the race for Senate, pivoted to challenge Bush in the primary, capitalizing on the division within the Democratic Party.

While Bush’s criticism of Israel became a focal point of the campaign, the race also touched on other issues. Bell criticized Bush’s effectiveness as a congresswoman, citing her votes against the bipartisan infrastructure package and the child tax credit. In contrast, Bush’s closing argument highlighted Bell’s failure to bring charges against the police officer responsible for killing 18-year-old Michael Brown in 2014—a tragedy that propelled both their careers in public service.

Despite the loss, Bush made it clear that she isn’t stepping away from the political arena. In a powerful speech at her watch party, she vowed to continue her fight against the influence of AIPAC and other forces she sees as pushing the political landscape to the right. “AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” Bush declared, underscoring her defiance in the face of defeat.

The atmosphere at Bush’s watch party was electric, with supporters filling the venue, their energy palpable. People from all walks of life gathered, united in their support for Bush. The event was a celebration of community, with delicious catered food, a fully stocked bar, and live music that kept the crowd on their feet. I, Lacey “G Souldier” Turner, had the privilege of walking through the crowd, capturing the opinions and emotions of Bush’s supporters as the night unfolded.

As the news of Bush’s loss broke, the mood shifted, but it did not dampen the spirit of the evening. Bush’s husband delivered an inspiring speech, reminding everyone of her significant contributions to St. Louis and the nation. When Bush finally took the stage, her speech was a rallying cry, reminding everyone that this loss was not the end of her journey. Her resolve remains unshaken, and her commitment to the causes she believes in continues to burn brightly.

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