Missouri Democrats Reject Former Squad Member in Primary Landslide

Clear Facts

• Former U.S. Representative Cori Bush lost her Democratic primary rematch to incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District
• Bush previously served as a member of the progressive “Squad” caucus alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other far-left Democrats
• The defeat marks the second consecutive loss for Bush to Bell in this district

Missouri Democrats have spoken decisively, rejecting former “Squad” member Cori Bush in favor of incumbent Representative Wesley Bell in the state’s 1st Congressional District primary. The loss represents another setback for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has seen its influence wane among mainstream voters.

Bush, who gained national attention as part of the controversial “Squad” alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive firebrands, failed to convince voters to return her to Washington. Her brand of progressive politics, which often aligned with the party’s most radical elements, appears to have limited appeal even within her own Democratic base.

I am honored and grateful that the people of Missouri's First Congressional District have continued to put their trust in me to represent them in Congress. Two years ago, St. Louis voted for better and more accountable representation. We have kept that promise, whether it's… pic.twitter.com/qenJJJDX1S

 — Wesley Bell for Congress (@bell4mo) August 5, 2026

Representative Wesley Bell successfully defended his seat, demonstrating that even Democratic primary voters may be growing weary of the far-left politics that Bush championed during her time in Congress. This marks the second time Bell has defeated Bush for this position, suggesting a clear preference among constituents for more moderate representation.

The primary result sends a strong signal about the political trajectory within the Democratic Party. While progressive activists continue to push for radical policy changes, rank-and-file Democratic voters appear to be pulling back from the most extreme positions advocated by former Squad members like Bush.

Bush’s defeat comes at a time when several high-profile progressive Democrats have faced electoral challenges, raising questions about the long-term viability of the Squad’s political strategy. Missouri voters have now twice rejected her candidacy in favor of Bell’s approach to representation.

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