Cori Bush is a force to be reckoned with in American politics. As the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 1st congressional district, she has made waves with her progressive agenda and unwavering commitment to social justice. Bush’s personal story is one of resilience and perseverance, as she has overcome numerous challenges to become a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.
Who is Cori Bush?
Cori Anika Bush was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 21, 1976. She grew up in the Northwoods neighborhood, the daughter of Errol Bush, a local alderman, and Carolyn Townsend. Bush’s parents divorced when she was young, and she experienced homelessness as a teenager, a formative experience that would later shape her political views.
Bush was determined to make a difference in her community despite her hardships. She attended Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Harris-Stowe State University in 2008. Bush then embarked on a career as a registered nurse, using her skills to care for those in need.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cori Anika Bush |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 165 pounds |
Age and Physique
At 47, Cori Bush is in the prime of her life and political career. Standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds, she has a muscular, athletic build reflecting her active lifestyle. Bush’s physical appearance is not a significant focus of her public persona, but it is clear that she takes care of herself and maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Personal Life and Relationships
Both tragedy and triumph have marked Cori Bush’s personal life. As a young woman, she was the victim of sexual assault, a traumatic experience that she has courageously shared with the public. Bush has also been open about having two abortions, a decision she has defended as a fundamental right for women.
Despite these challenges, Bush has found strength and support in her relationships. She was previously married, although the details of her marital status are not widely known. Bush has two children, whom she has raised as a single mother, and her family is a source of great pride and motivation for her.
Net Worth and Salary
As a member of Congress, Cori Bush earns an annual salary of $174,000. However, her net worth is reported to be around $2 million. This relatively modest net worth reflects Bush’s humble beginnings and commitment to public service over personal wealth.
Bush’s sources of income have included her work as a registered nurse, a pastor, and an activist. She has also earned royalties from her 2022 memoir, “The Forerunner: A Story of Pain and Perseverance in America,” which recounts her harrowing personal journey. With no significant assets or investments, Bush’s net worth is primarily a result of her congressional salary and book sales.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $174,000 (as a U.S. Representative) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
| Sources of Income | Congressional salary, book royalties, previous nursing and pastoral work |
Professional Career
Cori Bush’s professional journey has been marked by diverse experiences, all of which have contributed to her development as a political leader.
After earning her nursing degree, Bush worked as a registered nurse, using her skills to care for those in need. She also served as a pastor, founding the Kingdom Embassy International Church in St. Louis in 2011 and leading the congregation for three years.
Bush’s political career began in 2016 when she ran for the U.S. Senate in Missouri, placing a distant second in the Democratic primary. In 2018, she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Missouri’s 1st congressional district, challenging the long-serving incumbent, William Lacy Clay. Although defeated in that race, Bush gained valuable experience and national attention for her progressive platform.
In 2020, Bush ran for Congress again, defeating Clay in a stunning primary upset. Her victory was a triumph for the Black Lives Matter movement and a rebuke of the Democratic establishment. In January 2021, Cori Bush was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 1st congressional district, becoming the first Black woman to represent the state in Congress.
Investment and Funding
As a member of Congress, Cori Bush does not have a significant investment portfolio or funding sources beyond her congressional salary. Her financial disclosure reports indicate that she has no assets or liabilities, reflecting her modest financial standing.
Bush’s campaign funding primarily comes from individual donors and progressive organizations rather than corporate interests or wealthy benefactors. This has allowed her to maintain her independence and stay true to her principles, even when facing fierce opposition from more established political forces.
Contact and Social Media
Cori Bush is highly active on social media, using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to connect with her constituents and share her message. Her online presence is a testament to her commitment to transparency and her desire to engage directly with the people she represents.
Bush is politically known for her progressive views and willingness to challenge the status quo. She is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and has advocated for policies such as Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and criminal justice reform. Her outspoken nature and unwavering principles have made her a target for criticism from more conservative quarters. Still, she remains undeterred in creating a more just and equitable society.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Active on Twitter | |
| Active on Facebook | |
| Active on Instagram |
Conclusion
Cori Bush’s story is of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of justice. From her humble beginnings in St. Louis to her current position as a trailblazing member of Congress, Bush has proven that anything is possible with hard work, compassion, and a commitment to her principles.
As she continues to fight for the issues she holds dear, Cori Bush inspires countless individuals who aspire to make a difference in their communities and the world. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the transformative potential of political activism.
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