Cori Bush

Cori Bush is an American politician, nurse, pastor, and activist who served as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 1st congressional district from 2021 until 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she is recognized as the first African-American woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bush's political career is marked by her advocacy for social justice, healthcare reform, and her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement. She gained national attention during her campaigns for Congress, particularly for her progressive stance and her association with the left-wing faction known as "The Squad."

Early life and career

Cori Anika Bush was born on July 21, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri. She completed her secondary education at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, graduating in 1994. Bush's early life was shaped by personal challenges, including two pregnancies resulting from rape, which led to her having abortions at ages 18 and 19. These experiences would later inform her advocacy for reproductive rights.

Following high school, Bush attended Harris–Stowe State University for one year before entering the workforce. She worked at a preschool until 2001, after which she pursued a career in nursing. In 2008, she earned a Diploma in Nursing from the Lutheran School of Nursing, which set the foundation for her future work in healthcare.

In 2011, Bush founded the Kingdom Embassy International Church in St. Louis, where she served as pastor until 2014. Her political activism began to take shape during the 2014 Ferguson unrest, where she worked as a triage nurse and community organizer. This period was pivotal in her development as an activist, as she became involved in protests against police violence and systemic racism. Bush was also recognized as a Nonviolence 365 Ambassador with the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, reflecting her commitment to peaceful advocacy.

Bush's political aspirations began to take form when she ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016. Although she placed second in the Democratic primary to Jason Kander, her campaign marked the beginning of her formal entry into politics.

House tenure

Cori Bush's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began with her election in 2020, when she successfully defeated incumbent Lacy Clay in the Democratic primary for Missouri's 1st congressional district. This victory was notable, as it ended a 52-year hold on the seat by the Clay family, which had been passed down from father to son since 1968. Bush's campaign was characterized by its grassroots support and endorsements from progressive organizations such as Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress. She also received endorsements from prominent figures in the progressive movement, including Senator Bernie Sanders and activist Angela Davis.

Bush's primary victory was seen as a significant upset, as she garnered 48.5% of the vote in a district that has historically leaned Democratic. Following her primary win, she went on to secure her seat in the general election, defeating Republican challenger Anthony Rogers with a substantial majority.

In 2022, Bush sought reelection and faced a challenge from state senator Steve Roberts, who was supported by Lacy Clay. However, Bush won the Democratic primary with nearly 70% of the vote, solidifying her position in Congress.

Bush's 2024 campaign for reelection was marked by intense competition and significant financial backing against her. She lost the Democratic primary to Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney, in a race that became one of the most expensive House primaries in history. The campaign was heavily influenced by pro-Israel lobbying groups, which targeted Bush due to her critical stance on Israel during the Gaza war. Following her defeat, Bush announced her intention to run for her former congressional seat again in the 2026 elections.

Legislative focus and committees

During her time in Congress, Cori Bush was associated with "The Squad," a group of progressive Democratic members known for their leftist policies and advocacy. Her legislative focus included issues such as healthcare reform, housing rights, and social justice. Bush was particularly vocal in her support for extending the eviction moratorium established under the CARES Act, which she advocated for by sleeping on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to the issue.

Following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Bush introduced a resolution aimed at removing Republican members who supported efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. She characterized the events of that day as a "white supremacist insurrection" and supported the impeachment of then-President Donald Trump.

Bush's legislative efforts often reflected her background as a nurse and her commitment to healthcare access. She was involved in discussions and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services and addressing systemic inequalities within the healthcare system.

Throughout her congressional career, Bush served on various committees, contributing to discussions and policymaking in areas that aligned with her advocacy for marginalized communities. Her work in Congress was characterized by a commitment to progressive values and a focus on the needs of her constituents in Missouri's 1st congressional district.