Former Representative Cori Bush has formally filed to run for her old Missouri seat after losing the 2024 primary to Representative Wesley Bell. Bush, a progressive lawmaker and former member of the House group known as the Squad, was defeated in a race heavily funded by the pro Israel lobbying organization American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

At a rally in Jefferson City, Bush pledged to run a grassroots campaign and said she would reject contributions from corporate political action committees. She argued that voters want to choose their representatives without outside influence and accused opponents of relying on misleading advertising and large donations to sway the race.

Bush has repeatedly claimed that her previous defeat was fueled by falsehoods designed to silence her activism, particularly her outspoken support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli government policies. She maintains that significant outside spending distorted the election and says she is running again because her successor is 'not meeting the moment.'