Former Missouri representative Cori Bush, who lost her seat in the 2024 election, is launching a campaign to return to Congress.
The bid has drawn attention because Bush has aligned herself with an activist who describes himself as a Maoist and has been linked to extremist rhetoric.
The activist, operating under the pseudonym BlackRedGuard, has produced videos that call for resistance against perceived adversaries and has suggested the use of political violence, including Molotov cocktails.
In a recent social media post, Bush appeared beside the activist, a move that sparked criticism from observers.
The activist’s statements have included praise for groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas and a rejection of leftists who deny support for those organizations.
Alongside the campaign controversy, Bush is under investigation by the Missouri Attorney General for allegedly funneling donations from a tornado relief nonprofit to political spending.
The allegations center on the use of charitable funds for campaign purposes, a matter that has attracted scrutiny from state officials.
Bush’s political career began as a member of a progressive caucus that sought to advance bold reforms.
After her defeat, she has maintained an active presence on social media, promoting her platform and calling for a return to office.
The combination of her controversial alliances and ongoing legal investigations has kept her candidacy in the public eye.
