How a center-left Democrat flipped the script on a fiery progressive in one primary battle

Amid a summer of trouble for other Democratic House members facing progressive challengers, Rep. Wesley Bell managed to defeat former Rep. Cori Bush.Rep. Wesley Bell speaks during a Democrat-led House Oversight Committee field hearing in May. Chandan Khanna / AFP via Getty ImagesAug. 5, 2026, 12:32 PM EDTST. LOUIS — Rep. Wesley Bell’s 22-point victory against former Rep. Cori Bush in a 2024 rematch defied the tides that have seen other progressive challengers dispatch Democratic incumbents in recent primaries.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.

How a center-left Democrat flipped the script on a fiery progressive in one primary battle

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