House Democratic leaders endorsed Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) in her competitive primary contest on Tuesday, July 2, just days after fellow “Squad” member Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) lost his reelection bid.
In a joint statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA) expressed their support for Bush, providing her with a significant boost ahead of Missouri’s primary next month.
“Cori has shown up for the people of St. Louis in the fight for reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, and affordable housing,” the Democratic leaders said. “We stand together to endorse Cori Bush for reelection as we collectively work hard to make life better for everyday Americans and battle the corrosive extreme MAGA Republican agenda.”
This endorsement comes as Democrats brace for challenging incumbent primaries, particularly those held by liberals targeted for their anti-Israel stances.
Bowman’s defeat to Westchester County Executive George Latimer has been cited as a “red alert” for the party, highlighting concerns about the impact of outside spending on these races.
House Democratic leaders typically support all incumbents, regardless of ideological stance.
Jeffries and other leaders had endorsed and donated to Bowman, though they did not actively campaign for him. Some believe the lack of visible support from Democratic leadership contributed to Bowman’s loss.
Congressional Progressive Caucus Whip Gregorio Casar (D-TX) pointed to the “unprecedented” spending from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and other groups as a significant factor in Bowman’s defeat.
“If we don’t take this as a red alert moment, that there’s historic and unprecedented spending in one congressional primary, we should take a bigger lesson away from this,” Casar said.
It remains unclear whether Democratic leaders will campaign for Bush. However, in her statement, Bush expressed confidence in her campaign.
“With their support, I know we’re going to win our race in August, take back the House in November, and continue to deliver for the people and St. Louis,” she said.
Bush and fellow “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) face primaries in August. Bush’s challenger, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, has criticized her stance on Israel, aligning himself with pro-Israel groups.
AIPAC’s United Democracy Project PAC has spent or reserved $2.6 million to support Bell in the primary, according to Politico.
Bush’s campaign has also faced scrutiny due to a federal investigation into alleged misuse of campaign funds for security services, including payments to her husband. Bush has denied any wrongdoing.
