Missouri Democrat drops out of Senate race to challenge 'Squad' member Cori Bush

A Missouri Democrat dropped out of the state's Senate race on Monday and has since announced a primary challenge to "squad" member Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell announced his decision in a press conference, during which he pointed to Bush's vote against a House resolution supporting Israel and her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in general, as partially motivating the move.

"Understand this unique place that we are with the world literally on fire," he said, according to The Hill. "I think that we need to make certain that we are providing that effective leadership, not only in our district but in D.C. and on the world stage."

"So, after thoughtful consideration in consultation with respected in community — and committed community and political leaders, I’m formally withdrawing as a candidate for the U.S. Senate and announcing my candidacy for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri’s 1st Congressional District," he added.

The Missouri Senate race will likely be a difficult one for Democrats. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley faces reelection, though the state is generally regarding as a GOP stronghold. Missouri's first congressional district, meanwhile, includes St. Louis and its surrounding areas, a region that has overwhelmingly backed Democrats in recent years.

Bush, for her part, won election to the seat in 2020, joining the far-left "Squad," which includes some of the Democratic conference's most left-wing lawmakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Bush handily won the 2022 primary and cruised to reelection in the general contest.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.