Incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell has won the Democratic primary for Missouri's 1st Congressional District, defeating former Rep. Cori Bush in a rematch of their contest from two years ago. The Associated Press has projected Bell as the winner.
Bell, who previously served as St. Louis County prosecuting attorney, represents the district encompassing St. Louis. His victory was supported by significant outside spending from pro-Israel groups, including the United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This group reportedly spent millions opposing Bush in both the 2024 and 2026 primary cycles.
Bush had sought to leverage voter concerns over Israel's actions in the Israel-Hamas war and a broader trend of progressive candidates challenging incumbents. However, her campaign fell short despite these efforts.
Bell's campaign garnered endorsements from prominent Democratic figures, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, as well as support from the Congressional Black Caucus PAC.
In Missouri's newly redrawn 5th Congressional District, Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin is set to face incumbent Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver in the November general election. Cleaver, who ran unopposed in his primary, is aiming to retain his seat in a district that was reconfigured by the state legislature in 2025 to favor Republicans. National Republican groups have identified Cleaver's seat as a key target for flipping.
The redistricting in Missouri was part of a nationwide effort that occurred last year. Voters in Missouri may have the opportunity to decide whether to approve the current congressional map or reject it through a potential referendum in November. The Missouri Secretary of State has declared the initiative unconstitutional, but opponents of the map are pursuing legal challenges.