This story was originally published by The 19th.
Rep. Cori Bush recalls a poignant moment from three years ago when a fast-food worker shared her struggles during a roundtable discussion on the care economy. This incident fueled Bush’s passion to advocate for progressive priorities in Congress, mainly the inclusion of caregiving components in infrastructure bills.
Bush’s opponent, Wesley Bell, criticizes her for voting against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan plan to improve the country’s infrastructure. This vote has become a point of contention in their primary race, with contrasting views on the direction of the Democratic Party.
While Bell frames himself as a party loyalist, Bush is seen as an activist pushing for progressive change. Their backgrounds from the Ferguson protests shape their political narratives, with Bush focusing on issues like abortion rights and housing affordability, while Bell emphasizes community-based policing and criminal justice reform.
The primary election presents a choice between two distinct leadership styles, where Bush’s supporters highlight her championing of reproductive rights and activism, contrasting Bell’s establishment-backed campaign.