Another prominent member of the progressive “Squad” is facing what could be a career-ending defeat in her upcoming primary. According to a new poll, this political powerhouse is trailing her challenger by a whopping 23 points, casting clouds over her once bright congressional future.
The survey, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates for the CCA Action Fund, paints a grim picture for Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO). Among likely voters in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District Democratic Primary, prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell commands 56% support, while Bush lags with just 33%. The remaining 11% of voters are either undecided or backing lesser-known candidates Ron Harshaw and Maria Chappelle-Nadal. For Bush, this isn’t just a setback; it’s a full-blown political earthquake.
What’s driving this dramatic shift? It seems Bush’s favorability ratings are plummeting faster than a skydiver without a parachute. While Bush boasts a 50% favorability rating among registered Democrats, a hefty 47% view her unfavorably. Worse still, 51% of Democrats disapprove of her job performance, compared to 46% who approve. In contrast, Bell enjoys a sky-high favorable rating of 70%, with only 18% viewing him unfavorably. These numbers suggest that local voters are more than ready for a change.
Bush’s struggles aren’t happening in a vacuum. Her tenure in Congress has been marked by outspoken progressive positions, aligning with fellow “Squad” members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. However, this national prominence may have come at the expense of local support. Pastor Marc Little, spokesman for the anti-Bush CCA Action Fund, didn’t mince words: “Cori Bush has wasted her time in Congress to focus on her own fame in ‘The Squad’—while her constituents suffer.”
Bush has recently faced backlash for her statements regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for an end to what she describes as the oppression of Palestinians and advocating for the U.S. to halt military aid to Israel. These positions have not endeared her to all voters, further eroding her support base.
Bush isn’t the only “Squad” member experiencing turbulence. Last month, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) lost to moderate challenger George Latimer after a contentious primary battle. Millions of dollars flooded into the race, making it one of the most expensive House primaries in history. This trend of progressive candidates facing tough reelections suggests a broader ideological shift within the Democratic Party.
As Bush braces for what could be an electoral downfall, the broader political narrative is shifting. The results of this primary race will serve as a bellwether for the future of progressive politics within the Democratic Party. For now, the scene is set for a high-stakes showdown come August 6.
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