After her defeat in the Missouri primary, Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) unleashed a scathing attack on AIPAC, the pro-Israel PAC that backed her opponent, Wesley Bell. Bush, a leading voice in the progressive “Squad,” declared, “AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” signaling her determination to confront the influential PAC even after leaving office.
Bush’s loss is significant as it follows the recent defeat of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), marking a challenging period for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Bush framed her defeat as an opportunity to push her radical agenda further, criticizing AIPAC’s involvement in her race and positioning herself as a fierce opponent of the PAC’s political influence.
Bell’s campaign received substantial support from AIPAC, with reports from Sludge indicating that the PAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, played a crucial role by investing over $7 million. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also voiced concerns about AIPAC’s impact, suggesting that its significant financial contributions have a divisive effect on Democratic primaries.
In response, AIPAC defended its actions, asserting that it supports a diverse range of Democratic candidates and maintains that its efforts align with progressive values and the strengthening of U.S.-Israel ties. Bush’s remarks have generated mixed reactions, reflecting ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over the role of influential political donors.
