Representative Cori Bush (D-MO), once a prominent member of the progressive "Squad," has expressed intentions of potentially returning to political office after her recent defeat.
The Washington Examiner reported that Bush's defeat in the Democratic primary came as a result of Democrat leadership quietly pushing her out because of her radical policies.
Should she attempt to return and stir up radical Democrat support, it will be a massive headache for Democrat leadership in future elections.
Cori Bush, who first won her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020 and was reelected in 2022, faced a significant setback in August when she lost to Rep.-elect Wesley Bell (D-MO) in the Democratic primary. Bush was known for her progressive stance and membership in the "Squad," a group of left-leaning lawmakers.
Wesley Bell, who will soon take over Bush's congressional seat, is preparing for his new role beginning next month. Meanwhile, Bush has been reflective on her tenure and the future, stating her ongoing commitment to the causes she championed while in office.
Bush shared, “I’m going to keep fighting for the issues that I fought for before I ever entered Congress, and since I’ve been in Congress.” This statement underlines her dedication to her work, regardless of her electoral defeat.
Her advocacy and policy goals remain centered on the same issues she has always supported. Even out of office, she plans to continue her involvement in activism and organizing, aiming to sustain the momentum of her legislative agenda.
“Running for office again is not off the table at all. I did not expect to only be in Congress for four years, and so I do believe at some point I will run again, whether it’s for Congress or something else, I don’t know,” Bush revealed, hinting at her openness to explore various opportunities to serve again.
Bush's considerations about re-entering politics are currently broad, without a specific office or position in mind. "I don’t have any plans right now, but it’s not off the table. What I will do, though, is I will organize and I will work on the same issues and more that I started with before I ever made it to the Congress," she said.
The non-committal stance towards a specific role may allow Bush flexibility in gauging opportunities and her constituents' needs. Her decision seems to be influenced by both her past experiences in Congress and the evolving political landscape.
As Bush contemplates these next steps, her dedication to her core issues and constituents remains evident, suggesting a vibrant continuation of her political activism outside the traditional bounds of office.
Despite some members losing their reelection bids, including Bush and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent unsuccessful bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, the "Squad" continues to push forward.
“First of all, the Squad is big. And I know we want to make the Squad just out to be a few people, but we don’t do this work by ourselves,” Bush stated, highlighting the collaborative nature and extended network of like-minded lawmakers who share the Squad's progressive values.
She added, “The numbers will be lower for the 119th Congress, but they will keep fighting for people who have the greatest need. They’re not going to change their priorities and what they believe,” reiterating the unwavering focus on their foundational goals, despite changes in their composition.
“The number of people in Congress on the team will just be smaller. But they’ve never been silent. Anyone who underestimates our power is severely mistaken because we aren’t going anywhere, and I will always be Squad. I’m not going far,” declared Bush, firmly associating her identity with the Squad's enduring ethos and objectives.
Her words not only reinforce her commitment to the Squad's principles but also signal her potential leadership role in shaping and promoting the Squad's agenda outside the formal structures of Congress.