Democrat Cori Bush, claimed victory over Rep. William Lacy Clay Tuesday in Missouri’s Democratic primary. This marks the end of a political dynasty that stood for nearly half a century.
What We Know:
- The politician’s triumph was in lieu of a 2018 rematch when she failed to take advantage of a prominent wave of Democratic supporters in the country, which would have heavily favored new political candidates such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Bush was once a formerly homeless woman who organized protests in light of the now infamous, fatal shooting of a Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, back in 2014.
- During this election, a bulk of Bush’s support came from the current state of the country. Protests over the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and increasing social tension finally pushed her over the edge.
BREAKING: Justice Democrat & Black Lives Matter organizer @CoriBush defeated a corporate-backed political dynasty in #MO01.
From the Bronx to St. Louis, the Squad is here to stay, and it’s still growing. pic.twitter.com/ogMU5Djx6Z
— Justice Democrats (@justicedems) August 5, 2020
- The 44-year-old also had solid backing from political action committee Justice Democrats and Fight Corporate Monopolies this election. She also campaigned for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who actually endorsed Bush earlier this year, during his presidential bid.
- According to the Bush’s campaign spokeswoman, Keenan Korth, voters in the district were simply “galvanized” by the outcome, and rightfully so.
“They’re ready to turn the page on decades of failed leadership,” Korth stated.
- This primary win will guarantee Bush a seat in Congress, representing a predominantly Democratic St. Louis area. This same Congressional District has been represented by the Clay bloodline for nearly half a century. Bill Clay served 32 years before at the start of the millennium, then followed William Lacy Clay, who took his place in 2000 and was only remove up until now.
This election has seen a record number of black women candidates running for congress, so Bush is no exception. She is the first black woman to win the seat and first female overall, to be a representative for the House district.
