by: caryPosted on:

Rethinking Progressive Politics: The Defeat of Two Squad Members and Its Implications

Two members of the progressive group known as “The Squad” have been defeated in their primary races this year. Rep. Cori Bush from Missouri lost to St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. Previously, Rep. Jamaal Bowman from New York was also defeated in his primary. Both faced challenges backed by significant financial support from pro-Israel groups, notably the United Democracy Project, which spent heavily on advertising against them.

The Defeated Members

  1. Cori Bush (D-Mo.): Bush was defeated by Wesley Bell, who criticized her legislative record and targeted her for votes against the bipartisan infrastructure law and her missed votes in Congress. Bush faced additional scrutiny due to a federal investigation into her campaign spending and controversy over her outspoken stance on Israel. This race became the second most expensive House primary in history, largely due to $8 million in spending by the United Democracy Project.
  2. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.): Bowman lost his primary earlier this year in June, also after facing heavy advertising funded by pro-Israel groups. The influx of outside money into these races suggests a targeted effort to unseat progressive members of Congress who have been critical of U.S.-Israel policies.

Factors Behind Their Defeat

Several key factors contributed to the defeats of these progressive lawmakers:

  • Pro-Israel Lobbying: Both races saw substantial financial backing from pro-Israel organizations, specifically targeting the candidates’ critical positions on U.S. foreign policy towards Israel.
  • Campaign Strategy: Wesley Bell capitalized on Bush’s vulnerabilities, focusing on local issues and her voting record. Bell portrayed himself as a more pragmatic progressive, appealing to voters disenchanted with Bush’s national focus.
  • Political Climate: The broader political climate, with increasing polarization and the Democratic Party’s internal divisions, has made it challenging for some progressive candidates to maintain support from more moderate constituents.

Implications for “The Squad”

The defeat of these members raises questions about the future of “The Squad” and the progressive movement within the Democratic Party:

  • Strategic Reevaluation: The losses may prompt remaining Squad members to reassess their strategies, potentially moderating their positions on certain issues to avoid similar challenges.
  • Focus on Local Issues: Future campaigns may need to balance national progressive agendas with more localized concerns to maintain voter support.
  • Impact on Legislation: These defeats might shift the legislative focus away from progressive priorities as the party grapples with its ideological spectrum.

Looking Forward

Remaining Squad members, such as Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who have thus far resisted similar challenges, may face intensified scrutiny and opposition in upcoming elections. The political dynamics and electoral strategies of these members will likely evolve in response to these recent primary outcomes.

The next year could see significant changes in how progressive lawmakers engage with their constituents and navigate the complex landscape of American politics.

Here are the current members:

  1. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY): Represents New York’s 14th congressional district. She is known for her progressive stance on climate change, economic justice, and healthcare reform.
  2. Ilhan Omar (D-MN): Represents Minnesota’s 5th congressional district. Omar is known for her advocacy on human rights, foreign policy reform, and social justice issues.
  3. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA): Represents Massachusetts’ 7th congressional district. She focuses on criminal justice reform, healthcare, and economic equality.
  4. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI): Represents Michigan’s 12th congressional district. Tlaib is known for her work on environmental justice, economic reform, and anti-poverty initiatives.
  5. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY): Formerly represented New York’s 16th congressional district. He advocated for educational reform, climate action, and criminal justice reform. (Note: Bowman lost his primary in June 2024).
  6. Cori Bush (D-MO): Formerly represented Missouri’s 1st congressional district. Bush focused on healthcare reform, racial justice, and housing rights. (Note: Bush lost her primary in August 2024).
  7. Summer Lee (D-PA): Represents Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district. Lee advocates for workers’ rights, healthcare access, and racial justice.
  8. Greg Casar (D-TX): Represents Texas’ 35th congressional district. Casar’s focus is on workers’ rights, healthcare, and immigration reform.
  9. Maxwell Frost (D-FL): Represents Florida’s 10th congressional district. Frost is the first Generation Z member of Congress and advocates for gun control, climate action, and social justice.