Molly Cook

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Molly Cook (born June 6, 1991) is an American registered nurse and Democratic politician who serves in the Texas Senate, representing the 15th district since May 2024. She made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Texas Senate and the first woman to represent District 15.

Early life and education
Cook was born in Houston, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin, and she later completed a Master of Public Health and a Master of Science in Nursing at Johns Hopkins University.

Political career
Cook first ran for the Texas Senate in 2022 against John Whitmire in the Democratic primary but received 42% and did not win. She ran again in 2024, both in the general election for a full term starting in 2025 and in a special election to fill Whitmire’s seat after he left to become Mayor of Houston. In March 2024, she advanced to a runoff with State Representative Jarvis Johnson. She won the May 4, 2024 special election to finish Whitmire’s term, and on May 28, 2024, she narrowly won the Democratic primary runoff to advance to the general election. In the November 5, 2024 general election, Cook defeated Republican Joseph L. Trahan with about 61.8% of the vote to 38.2%.

Personal life
Cook supports abortion rights and has spoken publicly about her own abortion in 2014, describing abortion as a personal choice and emphasizing safe, accessible, and stigma-free abortion services. She is openly bisexual.

Electoral history (highlights)
- 2024 special general election for Senate District 15: Molly Cook (Democratic) 57.1% defeated Jarvis Johnson (if listed as opponent in that race’s context, Johnson had 42.9%).
- 2024 Democratic primary: Molly Cook narrowly won the runoff to advance to the general election.
- 2024 general election: Molly Cook (Democratic incumbent) 61.8% defeated Joseph L. Trahan (Republican) 38.2%.
- 2024 Democratic primary (earlier stage): Jarvis Johnson received about 36.2%, Cook had about 20.6%, with other candidates also participating.

Campaign website
Campaign information and updates are available at MollyForTexas.com.