Former Missouri Rep. Cori Bush announced Friday she is seeking to reclaim her former seat in Congress after losing the Democratic primary in the previous election cycle. “St. Louis deserves a leader who is built different. That’s why I’m running to represent Missouri’s 1st District in Congress,” Bush stated, emphasizing her commitment to fighting for lower costs, community protection, and fairness.

Bush, a former member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, faced defeat in a contentious Democratic primary against Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), whose campaign received significant financial backing from pro-Israel groups, including $8 million from AIPAC. She joins other progressive Democrats who lost primaries to candidates supported by such organizations, including former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.).

During her time in Congress, Bush led a Capitol sit-in advocating for the continuation of a pandemic-era eviction moratorium and criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labeling the country an “aparteid state.” Bell, her former opponent, responded to her candidacy by stating Missouri voters had already rejected her in the previous election. “St. Louis deserves real results and honest representation, not more headlines or scandals,” he said, citing Bush’s voting record and alleged mismanagement of funds.

Allegations against Bush include opposing the child tax credit, which could have aided 300,000 Missouri children, and voting against an infrastructure law that funded St. Louis’ roads and bridges. She also faced a federal Justice Department investigation over payments to her husband as a bodyguard and claims of diverting taxpayer funds into personal accounts.

Bush’s announcement follows the shift in national politics, with Republicans gaining control of the White House and Congress in 2024. Her return to the race comes amid redistricting efforts that expanded Republican influence in Texas and Missouri.