In a significant political shift, Molly Cook, an ER nurse and prominent political activist, clinched victory in the special election for Senate District 15, filling the vacancy left by Houston Mayor John Whitmire. Cook’s decisive win over State Representative Jarvis Johnson in the special election, with a lead of over 2,000 votes out of approximately 16,000 cast, underscores her momentum heading into the Democratic primary runoff on May 28, boasting a lead of over 14 percentage points.
Throughout her campaign, Cook highlighted her extensive medical background and championed various critical issues, including energy accessibility, reproductive rights, gun safety, public education and LGBTQ+ rights. Notably, her triumph makes her the first openly LGBTQ+ state senator in Texas, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape.
Despite a previous unsuccessful bid against Whitmire for the Democratic nomination in 2022, where she gained valuable name recognition despite the loss, Cook is now set to face Johnson once again in the upcoming Democratic primary runoff on May 28. The outcome of this runoff will determine the Democratic candidate who will go head-to-head against Republican contender Joseph L. Trahan in the general election.
Given the historical Democratic stronghold of SD 15, where a Republican victory hasn’t occurred in over five decades, the winner of the Democratic primary runoff is poised as the frontrunner for the general election in November.
Cook’s victory in the special election not only positions her for potential seniority in the Senate if she triumphs in the primary runoff and general elections, but also ensures representation for SD 15 in the event of a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott this year. This development underscores the immediate impact of Cook’s win on both the current political landscape and the future direction of Senate District 15.