The Congressional Black Caucus’ PAC endorsed Rep. Cori Bush on Tuesday, lending the outspoken progressive some institutional backing as she faces a strong primary challenge.
“As the first Black woman elected to Congress in Missouri, Congresswoman Cori Bush has stood as a champion for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice in Congress,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), chair of the Black Caucus PAC.
Although the Black Caucus generally backs all incumbents and endorsed Bush last cycle, its support of Bush this year is notable amid the legal scrutiny of her campaign’s spending on security services. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell is challenging Bush this cycle. She narrowly outraised him last quarter, according to FEC records, though deep-pocketed outside groups like AIPAC have already endorsed Bell.
Bush, who got to Congress by primarying then-Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.), hasn’t always had the closest relationship with senior Black Caucus members. But she has more recently patched up those frayed ties.
“I’m thrilled to have the support of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC in my reelection campaign. Together, we will continue to deliver meaningful investments and real results for the people of St. Louis,” Bush said in a statement.
In response to written questions, Bush said she was in discussions with caucus leaders to come campaign with her, though she noted: “With the exception of my sister Rashida Tlaib, who attended my campaign kickoff in January, I have not yet asked any of my colleagues to come to St. Louis.”
Bush also declined to comment on the ongoing investigation into her campaign spending, though she pointed to the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics’ prior investigation into the matter, which she said “unanimously cleared” her.