U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush for the second time in two years, turning back the former congresswoman’s attempt to reclaim Missouri’s 1st Congressional District seat.
“I am honored and grateful that the people of Missouri’s First Congressional District have continued to put their trust in me to represent them in Congress,” Bell said in an election-night statement. “Two years ago, St. Louis voted for better and more accountable representation. We have kept that promise. … That work does not stop tonight.”
Bell said his focus in a second full term would remain on opposing President Donald Trump’s agenda while bringing federal resources to the district.
“St. Louis is up against a president that is coming after our healthcare, our due process, and the paychecks of working families,” Bell said. “I will keep standing up to this reckless and cruel administration every single day.”
Bush, meanwhile, declined to deliver a traditional concession speech, instead using the moment to criticize the money that helped fuel Bell’s victory and to promise supporters she would remain in the fight.
“People were bamboozled again, deceived by lies,” Bush told supporters gathered at the Family Haven Event Center on West Florissant Avenue. She said Bell “knew money and smears would help him win.”
“I’m not tired, I’m not worn down,” Bush said. “What I am is that same fighter that stood up for you once before and will stand up for St. Louis again!”
The rematch largely replayed the issues that defined the 2024 campaign, with Bell presenting himself as a pragmatic Democrat focused on delivering results while Bush argued the district needed an independent progressive willing to challenge both Republicans and Democratic leaders.
Bell pointed to his work bringing federal resources to the district while emphasizing voting rights, affordable health care and lowering costs for working families. Bush campaigned on universal health care, reproductive rights, voting rights and continued outspoken advocacy on humanitarian issues, including the war in Gaza.
The campaign was also marked by another flood of outside spending.
Bush repeatedly argued Bell had become too dependent on the pro-Israel advocacy group AIPAC and affiliated super PACs, which again spent millions of dollars supporting his campaign. Bell, meanwhile, questioned Bush’s nonprofit organization formed after the May 2025 tornado and accused her of putting personal interests ahead of the district.
The Israel-Hamas war remained another sharp dividing line between the candidates.
Bell rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide and called for a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. Bush argued public opinion had shifted since 2024 and said more voters now understood the influence of outside money on the race.
Bell supporters said his emphasis on voting rights and constituent service helped earn him another term.
“The challenge to maintain the right to vote is very real, and he’s one of few candidates talking solely about it and calling together coalitions of leaders to address it in depth,” Lavern Beatty said.
For voter Shirley Farmer, Bell’s longstanding ties to the community mattered.
“Wesley is a person of integrity. He has the people’s interest in mind before his own,” Farmer said. “I knew him before he started on this job, so that makes all the difference.”
At Bush’s watch party, supporters continued hoping late returns would tighten the race even after The Associated Press called it for Bell.
Before Bush took the stage, Sophia Johnson, a high school junior, credited Bush with inspiring young people to become politically engaged.
“During this election, Cori has inspired a generation of young people like me to believe that courage is so valuable, that justice is worth fighting for and our voices matter.”