Wesley Bell fends off challenge from DSA-backed Cori Bush

Former Missouri Rep. Cori Bush’s comeback bid fell flat Tuesday night, as Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) fended off her primary challenge in a sharp blow to the socialist movement.

Bush, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, lost to Bell in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District in a close race seen as a bellwether for shifting political winds within the party. The Associated Press called the race at 9:02 p.m. With 26% of ballots counted, Bell received 71% of the vote, while Bush earned 26%.