In an effort to boost support for Rep. Cori Bush ahead of the primary election, members of the progressive group known as the "Squad" are joining forces virtually to rally for her campaign. Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, and Summer Lee are set to speak at a virtual rally on Monday evening, along with Michigan Senate hopeful Hill Harper.

With just one day left before the primary Election Day, Bush took to Instagram to invite supporters to join her and some "very special guests" in rallying together to ensure a strong voter turnout. The support from her fellow "Squad" members is expected to energize her campaign as polls indicate a tight race.

While Bush faces a tough challenge from local prosecutor Wesley Bell, who campaigns from a more centrist position, she has garnered strong backing from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Incumbents typically receive support from party leaders, but Bell, supported by the editorial board of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and other local groups, poses a significant threat to Bush's re-election.

One of the key issues at the forefront of the race is Bush's outspoken criticism of Israel. She accuses the US ally of committing genocide against the Palestinians, and has been a vocal critic of American support for the war effort against Hamas. This stance has drawn the attention of organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has allocated nearly $9 million to back her opponent and previously targeted Bowman for similar reasons.

The virtual rally also comes in the shadow of Bowman's defeat at the hands of Westchester County Executive George Latimer in June. Latimer challenged Bowman from a more centrist standpoint, taking positions that were seen as more pro-Israel. This backdrop demonstrates the challenges faced by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party as they encounter primary challenges from comparatively centrist candidates.

The upcoming primary for Bush holds significant importance for Democrats, as her seat in Missouri's 1st Congressional District is one of only two held by the party in the state's congressional delegation. A recent poll by the Mellman Group showed a tight race between Bush and Bell, with the latter holding a slight lead of 43% to 42%.

The support and presence of high-profile members of the "Squad" could prove instrumental in Bush's bid to retain her seat. Their virtual rally, along with the backing of Minority Leader Jeffries, highlights the ongoing ideological battle within the Democratic Party and the significance of this primary race.

Looking ahead, another member of the "Squad," Rep. Ilhan Omar, is set to face her own primary challenge next week as she seeks re-election against former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels. The outcome of these races will undoubtedly impact the future direction of the Democratic Party and its progressive wing.