Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush and U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell have filed to run for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District seat, setting up a rematch in the Democratic primary after Bell defeated Bush in 2024.
Bell, a Democrat from St. Louis County, unseated Bush by about 5.5 percentage points in one of the most expensive congressional primaries in U.S. history. Outside groups, including organizations supportive of Israel, spent millions of dollars in the race.
Bush said voters are increasingly frustrated with outside spending in political campaigns.
“The tide has already turned, and people are saying no,” Bush said. “They want to be the ones to pick their representatives.”
Bell rejected the idea that outside spending will affect the race.
“Voters in our district are worried about the cost of living,” Bell said. “They’re worried about health care costs.”
Two other Democrats — Carl Harris of St. Peters and Alissa Murphy of Clayton — have also filed for the Democratic primary.