Missouri congressional primary features rematch between Bush and Bell

Key Points:

• Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush is attempting a political comeback in a Missouri Democratic primary against Wesley Bell, with the race highlighting shifting Democratic views on U.S.-Israel relations and the influence of democratic socialists.
• The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has again supported Bell, reflecting ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over Israel policy, especially after Bush’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• Missouri Republicans are holding key primaries to select candidates to challenge incumbents in newly redrawn districts, including efforts to unseat Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver in a GOP-tilted district.
• Voters will decide on two significant ballot measures: one raising the threshold for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to require majority approval in all congressional districts, and another directing lawmakers to repeal the state’s individual income tax while expanding sales tax authority.
• The income tax repeal proposal is notable as the first time a U.S. state legislature has asked voters to eliminate the tax, with Missouri joining a small group of states considering such a significant tax policy change.