Cori Bush, Anti-Israel ‘Squad’ Member, Trails Opponent by 23 Points in Polls

US Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), one of Congress's most vocal critics of Israel, is significantly trailing her Democratic primary opponent, Wesley Bell, by 23 points according to a new poll. This could make Bush the second "Squad" member to lose to a more moderate Democrat this election cycle.

The poll, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates for the CCA Action Fund and first reported by the New York Post, shows Bell leading Bush with 56 percent to her 33 percent in the August 6 primary for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

Bush's favorability among Democrats is currently 50 percent, with an unfavorability rating of 47 percent. In stark contrast, Bell enjoys a favorability rating of 70 percent and an unfavorability rating of just 18 percent.

This marks a rapid decline in Bush’s support. A June poll by The Mellman Group indicated a tight race, with Bell at 43 percent and Bush at 42 percent. In January, Bush led Bell 45 percent to 29 percent among Democratic primary voters.

Bush has faced significant criticism for her stance on Israel, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties. She called for an “immediate ceasefire” shortly after the attack, dismissing Israel’s response as “retaliatory violence.” In an October op-ed for Jacobin, Bush accused Israel of “collective punishment” in Gaza and described their military actions as a “war crime.” By December, she accused Israel of “targeting civilians” and committing “genocide” in Gaza, repeatedly labeling Israel an “apartheid state.”

In contrast, Bell supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. “We want to see a peaceful resolution. I want to be part of the coalition that brings a peaceful resolution to that region,” Bell told St. Louis Public Radio. “But it is a tough situation. But in the meantime, we do have to stand by our allies.”

The poll results follow the primary defeat of US Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) to George Latimer, a moderate and pro-Israel candidate. Bowman’s criticism of Israel during his campaign drew significant backlash from Jewish and centrist voters.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a major pro-Israel lobbying group, has pledged its support for Bell, further challenging Bush’s campaign. AIPAC, which was instrumental in Bowman’s defeat, spending $14.5 million in the New York primary, is now focusing on unseating Bush.

“On Tuesday night, the pro-Israel community helped ensure anti-Israel Rep. Jamaal Bowman won’t be returning to Congress next year,” AIPAC texted its supporters after Bowman’s defeat. “With your support, we can also help defeat Rep. Cori Bush, another member of the anti-Israel Squad.”

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