Incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell won the Democratic primary for Missouri's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday by a substantial margin over former Rep. Cori Bush, according to unofficial results.
Bell captured approximately 71% of the vote compared to Bush's 26%, a gap of roughly 45 percentage points. The Associated Press called the race early in the evening.
The contest represented a second matchup between the two candidates following their 2024 primary contest, in which Bell narrowly defeated Bush, a progressive Democrat who had served in the "Squad." Outside groups connected to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee provided nearly $9 million in support for Bell during that election. Similar spending backing Bell in the current cycle reached about $3.1 million.
Bush had centered her campaign around opposition to AIPAC's influence. Following her 2024 defeat, she said the group had "radicalized" Her and stated she would "tear your kingdom down." Bell, a former St. Louis County prosecutor, characterized Bush as "not a serious candidate."
The district, heavily favoring Democrats, is expected to remain under Democratic control in November's general election, with Bell favored to retain the seat.