Jack Cox (Texas politician)

Jack Cox (August 20, 1921 – April 27, 1990) was an American politician active in Texas. Cox, a three-term Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, became a vital figure in the revitalization of the Republican Party of Texas.

Jack Cox
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 108th district
In office
January 14, 1947 – January 13, 1953
Preceded byPaul Counts
Personal details
Born(1921-08-20)August 20, 1921
Stephens, Texas, U.S.
DiedApril 27, 1990(1990-04-27) (aged 68)
Abilene, Texas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican (1961–1990)
Democratic (until 1961)
SpouseJoyce Smyrl
Children2
EducationNorth Texas State College
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Years of service1940–1945
Battles/warsWorld War II

Biography

Cox was born in Stephens County, Texas on August 20, 1921. He served in United States Navy and saw action in the Pacific theater of World War II. He graduated from North Texas State University and returned to his home county.[1] In 1946, Cox was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in the 50th Texas Legislature from the 108th district, which at the time contained Palo Pinto and Stephens counties. He was re-elected in 1948 and 1950.[1]

After his time in the Texas House; He switched parties and became a Republican. In the 1962 Texas gubernatorial election, Cox was the Republican nominee against former Secretary of the Navy and Democratic nominee John Connally. Connally defeated Cox by an eight-point margin; the closest gubernatorial election since 1924.

Cox died from cancer on April 27, 1990.[1]

References
  1. "Jack Cox". Legislative Reference Library of Texas. Archived from the original on September 4, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
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