Missouri Voters Decide High-Profile Democratic Congressional Rematch

Missouri voters hold state primaries on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, featuring a high-profile Democratic rematch in the 1st Congressional District. Wesley Bell, the incumbent U.S. Representative, faces a challenge from former U.S. Representative Cori Bush to retain his seat.

The contest has evolved into a proxy battle over U.S. support for Israel. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent approximately $3.1 million in July to support Bell and oppose Bush.

Other key races include U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver III, who is seeking a 12th term in a redistricted 5th Congressional District that now includes more Republican-leaning areas. These elections represent the first contests held under a new congressional map backed by Donald Trump.

Voters will also decide on four statewide ballot measures. These include Amendment 4, which would increase the vote threshold for citizen-driven constitutional amendments, and Amendment 5, which proposes phasing out individual income taxes in favor of expanded sales taxes.