(ST. LOUIS, MO – August 6, 2024) – CAIR Action, one of the nation’s leading Muslim 501(c)4 political organizations, condemned the historic financial interference in Congresswoman Cori Bush’s re-election campaign against prosecutor Wesley Bell. AIPAC, MAGA Republican donors, and special interest groups flooded the race with over $12 million, defeating the beloved Congresswoman’s grassroots campaign and striking another blow to American democracy.
With over 95% of the vote being counted, Cori Bush secured 45.6% of the vote in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, coming up short to Bell’s 51.2%. Although she garnered significant grassroots support from a diverse coalition, the onslaught of dark money ultimately drowned out these voices fighting for systemic change. The race was the second-most expensive Congressional race in U.S. history.
Bush built a trusted name for herself, known in the community and across the country for bravely and publicly advocating for her constituents and securing vital resources for the district. Her courage will be remembered, as she stood firm and never forgot her roots, from camping on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building to prevent a nationwide eviction crisis, to her sponsoring of a ceasefire resolution for Gaza which galvanized protests and support across the country.
In a statement, CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra said:
“Congresswoman Cori Bush is a true champion for the people. When MAGA Republican donors and hawkish foreign policy interest groups bought New York’s 16th Congressional seat, a dangerous precedent was set for American elections. Today is a dark day for our democracy as that pattern continues. I cannot stress enough how detrimental it is to our country’s future that congressional seats are up for sale to the highest bidder.
“More than $12 million flooded this race and was used to peddle the same lies, smears, and dog whistles that were on display in Jamaal Bowman’s race. Racist, xenophobic MAGA Republican donors involved in democratic primaries aim to undermine community leaders committed to an inclusive society and a foreign policy agenda that prioritizes human rights.
Elkarra added, “Congresswoman Bush’s loss is not just a blow to her constituents in St. Louis, but a setback to the broader movement for social justice and human rights. While special interest groups like AIPAC celebrate their victory, we at CAIR Action remain committed, along with our coalition partners across the country, to supporting leaders who are truly accountable to the people, and not to the highest bidder. We thank Congresswoman Bush for her years of fearless leadership.”
CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, [email protected]
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
