Inside the Texas Capitol with State Sen. Molly Cook

In the first Hobby Talks episode of 2025, Texas state Sen. Molly Cook shares her policy priorities during her first legislative session, from public education and reliable energy to expanding Medicare and other healthcare equity issues. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asked the freshman state lawmaker what drove her to run for public office and how her work and background as an emergency room nurse and community organizer translate to her policy agenda at the Texas Capitol. Sen. Cook gave insight into what Texans can expect from the 89th Texas Legislature and her advice for students interested in a public service career. Sen. Cook represents Senate District 15, which includes several of Houston’s well-known neighborhoods, including Montrose, The Heights, and Acres Homes, as well as suburban pockets of northwest and northeast Harris County. She won a special election and full term in 2024, filling a seat John Whitmire held for four decades before his run for mayor of Houston. Sen. Cook serves on the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services, Administration, and Local Government.