New polls show Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) is down 22 points behind primary challenger Wesley Bell.
Results gathered by Remington Research Group, a firm linked to the GOP, on behalf of the Missouri Scout were released on Feb. 12. Voters were asked, in a hypothetical primary, who they would vote for between three candidates: Wesley Bell, state Sen. Maria Chapelle-Nadal, and Bush. Without labeling who the incumbent was, half of the respondents selected Bell, and 4% selected Nadal.
Bush came in with 28% of the vote. Eighteen percent were unsure.
Broken down by demographics, Bell is most popular amongst African American respondents, with 43% supporting Bell and 35% favoring Bush. White respondents also seem to like Bell more, gathering 60% compared to 20% of Bush supporters. However, there is a split among voters identifying as “very progressive,” with 43% supporting each candidate. Of those who label themselves “somewhat progressive,” 42% support Bell to Bush’s 27%.
Bell also takes the lead at 52% to 23% for conservatives and moderates. The survey also asked voters where they stood on “the
war in the Middle East,” asking if they were more sympathetic to the Israelis over Palestinians. Bush has been vocally strong in support of Palestinians and highly critical of Israel since the war began in October 2023.The St. Louis County prosecutor is no stranger to the political realm. After announcing he was coming for Republican Sen. Josh Hawley’s seat in 2023, Bell changed gears and decided to run against Bush. During a press conference, he said he was the best Democrat for the job.
“Understand this unique place that we are with the world literally on fire,” Bell said.
“I think that we need to make certain that we are providing that effective leadership, not only in our district but in D.C. and on the world stage.”
The Bush campaign released a statement following Bell’s announcement. She says it is “disheartening that Prosecuting Attorney Bell has decided to abandon his U.S. Senate campaign to become Missouri’s first Black Senator after less than five months and has instead decided to target Missouri’s first Black Congresswoman.”
With the district being
solely Democratic and almost 50% African American, the primary winner could become a voter favorite to win the general election in November. The district includes all of St. Louis and some of the north and west of St. Louis County.RELATED CONTENT: Cori Bush Investigated By Department of Justice For Hiring Husband As Part of Security Team