Overview

• Cori Bush released a launch video declaring a return campaign for her former St. Louis–area House seat, saying the district needs leadership that does not answer to wealthy donors.
• Her entry sets up a rematch with Rep. Wesley Bell, who defeated her in the August 2024 Democratic primary by a margin of a little more than five points.
• Bell responded on X that voters had already issued their verdict last year, arguing Bush focused on a national agenda rather than local results.
• In the 2024 primary, AIPAC’s United Democracy Project spent about $8.6 million backing Bell or attacking Bush, with additional spending from Democratic Majority for Israel’s PAC and the crypto‑funded Fairshake PAC.
• Under Missouri’s new congressional map, the 1st District stands as the state’s only Democratic‑leaning seat, elevating the race’s strategic importance for national groups and party activists.