The defeat of Cori Bush shows that spreading anti-Israel hatred is not a successful message

Far-left Rep. Cori Bush was defeated by her Democratic constituents on Tuesday, losing to St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell.

This marks the second defeat of a “Squad” member this year, as their anti-Israel sentiments have led to rejection by their own party. Rep. Jamaal Bowman lost his primary to Westchester County Exec George Latimer by a significant margin in June.

In both races, the challengers campaigned on a pro-Israel platform and criticized the incumbents for neglecting their district due to their anti-Israel stance.

Wesley Bell speaking at a podium after winning the Democratic congressional primary in Missouri on Aug. 6. AP

Bowman initially denied the rape of women by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack, later backtracking. He also labeled Israel’s actions against Hamas as “genocide” and referred to it as an “apartheid state”. Latimer supported funding for the Iron Dome and opposed the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.

Bush accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza and voted against the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, which would prevent Hamas militants involved in the attack on Israel from entering the US.

Bell campaigned on criminal justice reform, abortion access, gun control, and environmental preservation. He expressed strong support for Israel, emphasizing its status as the only democracy and a key American ally in the Middle East. He also affirmed, like most Americans, its right to defend itself and pursue justice against those responsible for the Oct. 7 attacks.

He criticized Bush’s anti-Israel remarks as “wrong and offensive.”

With two members of the “Squad” defeated, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) may face a similar fate next week due to the same reasons. The remaining members of the “Squad” should take heed.