Squad Member Cori Bush Down 22 Points to Dem Primary Challenger

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) is lagging behind her Democratic primary opponent by 22 percentage points, according to a new poll released on Monday.

The survey, conducted by GOP firm Remington Research Group on behalf of the Missouri Scout, was carried out from Feb. 7-9 and involved 401 likely 2024 Democratic primary voters.

Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) is trailing her Democratic primary challenger by 22 points according to a new poll https://t.co/blmnVCtqt1 pic.twitter.com/VmDlQXu4WU

— The Hill (@thehill) February 13, 2024

Participants were asked whom they would support in a hypothetical primary if it featured three candidates: Wesley Bell, state Sen. Maria Chapelle-Nadal, and Bush. The poll did not specify the incumbent.

Results showed that half of respondents favored Bell, 28 percent backed Bush and 4 percent supported Nadal, while 18 percent were undecided.

Bell maintains a lead over Bush across various demographic groups. Among African American respondents, 43 percent favored Bell, 35 percent supported Bush, and 20 percent were undecided.

Among white respondents, Bell led by a larger margin, with 60 percent backing him compared to 20 percent supporting Bush.

Among those identifying as "very progressive," support was evenly split between Bell and Bush, each garnering 43 percent. Among "somewhat progressive" respondents, Bell led with 42 percent compared to Bush's 27 percent.

Similarly, among self-described moderates and conservatives, Bell led Bush by a significant margin, with 52 percent to 23 percent.

Bush faces a significant challenge to her reelection bid amidst primary contests targeting Democratic critics of Israel across the nation. She has been vocal in her support for Palestinians and critical of Israel since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023.

The poll also examined likely Democratic voters' opinions on "the war in the Middle East," finding that 44 percent were undecided, while 35 percent leaned towards supporting Israelis and 21 percent towards Palestinians.

The latest poll shows Bush likely losing in her own primary, a trend facing many Squad members who have been accused of being too progressive, especially in anti-Israel rhetoric following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.