ST. LOUIS (VINnews) — Incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush by a wide margin Tuesday in the Democratic primary for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, according to unofficial results.

Bell received about 71% of the vote to Bush’s 26%, a margin of roughly 45 percentage points. The Associated Press projected Bell the winner early in the evening.

The race was a rematch of the 2024 primary, when Bell narrowly unseated Bush, a progressive Democrat and former member of the “Squad.” Outside groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent nearly $9 million supporting Bell that year. This cycle, similar spending behind Bell totaled about $3.1 million.

Bush framed her campaign as a challenge to AIPAC influence, saying after her 2024 loss that the group had “radicalized” her and vowing to “tear your kingdom down.” Bell, a former St. Louis County prosecutor, described Bush as “not a serious candidate.”

The heavily Democratic district is expected to remain in Democratic hands in the November general election. Bell is heavily favored to win the seat.