Missouri Primary Highlights AIPAC Spending and New Congressional Map

In Missouri’s June 4 Democratic primary, freshman U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell faces a rematch against former Rep. Cori Bush in the St. Louis‑based 1st Congressional District. The race has drawn attention after the political arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent roughly $8.6 million on outside money, including about $3.1 million in July supporting Bell and opposing Bush.

The primaries are the first held under a new congressional map drawn by the Republican‑controlled state legislature and backed by former President Donald Trump. The map reshapes districts to improve GOP prospects, notably carving Kansas City into three districts and extending Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s 5th District eastward into more Republican‑leaning areas. Cleaver now runs in a district that Trump carried with about 58 % of the vote, facing six Republican challengers. Voters will also decide four statewide ballot measures.