Rep. Cori Bush, a Democrat from St. Louis, delivered her farewell speech after losing the August primary to Wesley Bell. Known for her activism during the Ferguson protests, Bush defeated incumbent Rep. Lacy Clay in 2020 and won re-election in 2022. In her speech, she highlighted accomplishments like protesting the eviction moratorium in 2021 and criticized her party for not fully supporting the Build Back Better agenda.

Bush faced scrutiny over her campaign fund use, including payments to her now-husband, though she denied wrongdoing. Her defeat stemmed from voter fatigue with her progressive policies, including criticism of U.S. support for Israel, which attracted significant opposition.

Bush emphasized that her fight for policies like affordable housing, childcare, and Medicare expansion was not over, hinting at a potential return to politics. She criticized corporate Democrats for stalling progressive reforms, adding, “This party must do better.”

Her primary defeat to Bell (54.9% to 41.8%) drew ridicule from Republican figures, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, who mocked her attendance record, and others who celebrated her loss. Despite leaving Congress, Bush declared her voice and advocacy remain intact, suggesting a future in public service.