Rep. Cori Bush, a member of the “Squad,” is significantly trailing in her re-election bid for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. The New York Post describes the “Squad” itself as feeling “under siege,” highlighted by Bush’s large deficit in the polls, Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-N.Y.) primary loss in New York, and broader dissatisfaction with the state of affairs under President Biden’s administration.
Bush is reportedly behind her challenger, St. Louis prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell, by 23 percentage points, with Bell leading 56% to Bush’s 33% according to a poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates for the CCA Action Fund. Missouri’s Democratic primary is scheduled for August 6.
Bush’s devastating deficit comes despite Democrat leadership rallying around her in an attempt to boost her electoral chances. A joint statement from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said, “As a Member of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, Rep. Cori Bush has championed constitutional principles like equal protection under the law, defended democracy and sought to expose far right extremism.”
“Cori has shown up for the people of St. Louis in the fight for reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention and affordable housing. We stand together to endorse Cori Bush for re-election as we collectively work hard to make life better for everyday Americans and battle the corrosive extreme MAGA Republican agenda,” the statement continued. But apparently, the people of her district don’t agree.
Bush, for her part, responded to the endorsement by saying, “I am proud to have the support of Democratic Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark, and Caucus Chair Aguilar. Under their leadership, I’ve been proud to join my fellow Democratic Caucus colleagues in principled opposition to the GOP majority and their extreme MAGA Republican agenda.”
Continuing, used more inflammatory language toward the “far-right,” saying, “They know, like I know, how critical it is to remove these far-right extremists from power in Congress. 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.”
Commenting on Bush’s unpopularity, Pastor Marc Little, spokesman for the anti-Bush CCA Action Fund, which commissioned the poll, said, “Cori Bush has wasted her time in Congress to focus on her own fame in ‘The Squad’ — while her constituents suffer.” Pastor Little noted further: “This poll proves St. Louis wants a representative who will champion our community and its prosperity and safety, and who will defend America — not a Cori Bush who wants to tear it all down.”
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.