Kathmandu— The recent Democratic primary for Missouri’s first congressional district, encompassing St. Louis and parts of northern St. Louis County including Ferguson, revealed a complex interplay of national political forces and deeply rooted local issues as incumbent Wesley Bell defeated former congresswoman Cori Bush despite significant funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The race gained added scrutiny when attention turned to Jordan Blase, Bell’s Deputy Chief of Staff, and her family's long-standing involvement with the Veiled Prophet Society, a St. Louis secret society with origins in white supremacy and suppression of worker organizing.

The Veiled Prophet’s History

The Veiled Prophet Society has a history stretching back to the late 19th century, initially formed as an elite group seeking to maintain social order and suppress labor movements in St. Louis. Devin Thomas O’Shea's book, *The Veiled Prophet*, details the society’s origins and its role within the city’s power structures. The organization’s annual ball was a key feature of its activities, traditionally presenting debutantes from prominent families – a practice that drew criticism for reinforcing existing social hierarchies.

AIPAC Funding and Local Concerns

While AIPAC's financial support often presents challenges for candidates in Democratic primaries, Wesley Bell successfully navigated this landscape to secure victory. The involvement of Middle Eastern politics was evident through the funding, but local issues stemming from the 2014 Ferguson protests – sparked by the police killing of Michael Brown – proved equally significant. Both Bell and Bush’s political careers originated within these protests, creating a direct link between the candidates and the community's concerns.

Blase’s Connection to the Society

Bush supporters highlighted Blase’s past participation as a Veiled Prophet debutante, sharing photos from her Facebook page documenting decades of family involvement in the annual ball. An activist shared on Instagram that Blase and her family “have been attending their white supremacist ball for decades.” While this connection drew criticism, it did not ultimately sway the outcome of the election.

The Missouri primary underscores the complex interplay between national political funding, local activism, and the enduring influence of historical social structures within communities like St. Louis.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.