HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Molly Cook has made history as Texas’ newest politician. In a special election in May, she became the first woman to represent Senate District 15, a seat held by Houston Mayor John Whitmire for 40 years, and the first openly LGBTQ+ member to serve in the Texas Senate. However, Cook remains humble about her achievements.
“If I am a trailblazer, then I’m following the paths that others have paved before me,” Cook told. “There’s no accomplishment as a woman or as an LGBTQ+ member that I can solely attribute to myself. I’m grateful to those who came before me and made this possible.”
Cook emphasizes her responsibility for the well-being of her community and feels honored to symbolize the progress being made in Houston and Harris County.
After winning the special election to complete Whitmire’s term, Cook narrowly defeated State Representative Jarvis Johnson for the Democratic nomination. She will face Republican Joseph Trahan in November, but Senate District 15 has a Democratic majority.
One of Cook’s top priorities is expanding Medicare. “I want to knock on every door in this state and inform people about the available funds,” Cook said. “Hospitals could reopen, and communities could attract top specialists.”
Cook, an emergency room nurse with a Master’s Degree in public health from Johns Hopkins, is the only Democrat medical professional in the Senate. She aims to represent those previously unheard but acknowledges the challenge in a legislature dominated by Republicans.
“It’ll be a delicate balance,” Cook said. “The key is to be transparent with the district.”
Despite the challenges, Cook is ready to take on her role, embodying the spirit of progress and representation.
