Standing as a representation for Black women with meaningful dreams, Cori Bush is a trailblazing politician, registered nurse, Pastor and activist. Rising to prominence as a grassroots leader during the 2014 Ferguson protests, she became the first Black woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. House. 

Bush is one of the members of the legendary group called “The Squad.” In her role, she’s championed progressive causes across all facets, including healthcare, economic justice, housing rights and criminal justice reform. Her journey, from personal hardship to the halls of Congress, is a powerful encapsulation of resilience and representation. Here’s a deeper look at her journey and everything she’s built for herself and the Black women who witness her.

Cori Bush’s Political Journey

Bush’s political journey began alongside her people in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri. This was ignited by the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown. As a nurse and activist with a burning desire for change, she became a leading figure in the protests. She offered medical care to demonstrators while speaking out passionately against police brutality. This visceral experience transformed her from a community organizer to a political contender. It catapulted her into public service that is rooted in justice and lasting change.

In 2018, Bush ran against long-time Democratic incumbent Lacy Clay for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. Though she lost, the campaign sparked national attention thanks to her appearance in the Netflix documentary “Knock Down the House.” Fueled by the support of her people, she ran again in 2020. This time, she made history. Bush became the first Black woman and nurse elected to represent the state of Missouri in Congress.

Since taking office, Bush has remained devoted to her true purpose. She has introduced legislation on police reform, housing protections and reproductive justice. In 2021, she famously slept on the Capitol steps to protest the expiration of the eviction moratorium. This act influenced the Biden administration’s extension. Her approach to politics is not shy from direct action and the refusal to play by traditional rules.

Bush was reelected in 2022 and served as a powerful member of Congress. Together, her and the fellow members of “The Squad,” which includes progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib, fought for change. As an activist, mother and agent of change, the work she did in Congress redefined what it meant to be a leader in that space. Unfortunately, in August 2024, Bush lost the Democratic primary to Wesley Bell and was not reelected.

Cori Bush’s Net Worth

Though Bush’s exact net worth has not been disclosed, her congressional salary was roughly $174,000 a year. This was basically the standard for most members. Her only noted stream of revenue besides her salary include royalties from her memoir “The Forerunner.” It also includes income from her pastorate days, which would add up to about $18,000 per year. 

When comparing how much the average congress member makes to what Bush brought in, there’s a stark contrast. The median congressional net worth is about $1 million, with over half of members being millionaires. When it comes to “The Squad’s” finances, it doesn’t demonstrate that. Ocasio-Cortez’s estimated net worth is $125,000. Ilhan Omar is still working off student loans, and public data suggests that Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib are similarly modest. The contrast between Bush’s finances, along with her fellow parters-in-crime, and the majority of Congress definitely highlights the wealth gap within the institution. Bush was one of its most financially modest members.

What Shapes Cori Bush’s Financial Profile?

Nursing, ministry and activism are the core of Bush’s being and financial portfolio. She earned a nursing diploma in 2008 and worked in health care at SSM Health hospital. Fueled by that same call for servitude, she was the Pastor of Kingdom Embassy International Church. Here, she earned roughly $18,000 a year. As an activist during Ferguson in 2014, she served as both a medic and an organizer. This was voluntary work that helped build her civic foundation.

Her financial and life story is not without strife. Surviving housing instability in 2001, she lived in her car for several months while raising two children as a single mother and pursuing her education. Her family lived in a Ford Explorer after being evicted from a rental home. At the time, Bush had lost income because illness during her second pregnancy forced her to quit her job at a preschool. This only more deeply informed her advocacy for affordable housing, medicare for all, student debt relief and higher wages. This only reinforced her message that lived experience must inform policymaking. Bush’s financial journey, marked by debt and perseverance, gives shape to her platform of economic equity and systemic reform. 

Is Cori Bush Still in Congress?

As of 2025, Bush is no longer serving in Congress. She unfortunately lost her re-election bid in the August 2024 Democratic primary to Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney. The race garnered national attention, mostly due to campaign finance controversies and policy clashes, particularly around foreign aid and police reform. Bush’s term officially ended on January 3, bringing her time representing Missouri’s 1st congressional district to a close.

What Is Cori Bush Doing Now?

Nothing can stop Cori Bush from advocating. After leaving Congress, Bush has only continued her work in public service outside of elected office. She has launched a progressive political action committee to support grassroots candidates aligned with her values and has remained vocal on key issues, like housing equity, medicare for all and climate justice. Noting that losing her seat doesn’t mean losing her voice, Bush has also co-launched a podcast with fellow former representative Jamaal Bowman, offering unfiltered political commentary and interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Cori Bush’s Husband? Bush married Cortney Merritts in 2023, a security specialist and U.S. Army veteran. Unfortunately, a federal grand jury indicted Merritts on two counts of wire fraud, being accused of allegedly scheming taxpayers out of more than $20,000 from COVID-19 relief funds.

Does Cori Bush Have Kids? Bush has two children and has been married twice.