Federal Investigation Shadows Campaign Finance Moves
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush has reinstated her husband, Cortney Merritts, to her campaign payroll amid an ongoing federal probe into previous payments to him, according to newly disclosed finance records. The move comes as Bush seeks to regain her Missouri House seat in an August primary against Rep. Wesley Bell, who defeated her in 2024.
Bush's campaign paid Merritts $2,273 on June 1, adding to $15,000 she paid herself between April 1 and May 29. The payments to Merritts, who was acquitted of federal wire fraud charges in February, could reignite questions about campaign finance practices that drew scrutiny from the Department of Justice (DOJ) last year.
Probe Examines Campaign Ties to Spouse and Associates
The DOJ investigation, revealed in January 2024, centered on Bush's 2024 campaign payments to Merritts totaling over $150,000 for "security services" and "wage expenses." While federal law permits candidates to pay spouses for legitimate campaign work, the arrangement has drawn criticism from opponents. Bush has denied wrongdoing, stating the probe focuses on "campaign-related expenses."
Merritts, whom Bush secretly married in 2023, was indicted in March 2025 for allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program. A jury deadlocked in his trial, leading to the case's dismissal. Bush's political action committee, Politivist Action, also paid Merritts $11,000 last year.
Bush faces additional scrutiny over Politivist Action's fundraising. Local reports found no evidence that money raised for tornado relief was distributed as intended. Bush has avoided direct questions about the matter, while her campaign has not responded to requests for comment.
Despite these challenges, Bush remains competitive in her primary rematch against Bell. Backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Socialists of America, she has attacked Bell over donations from groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Bush and Rep. Jamaal Bowman blamed AIPAC for their 2024 losses, with Bush vowing to "tear your kingdom down" in a post-election speech targeting the pro-Israel group.
Bush has also faced criticism for associations with figures making antisemitic remarks, including a security contractor paid $137,000 by her campaign who promoted conspiracy theories about Jewish control of global systems.