Meet Margaret | M. Cook-OK Senate District 3
I'm so glad you decided to visit our site!
Deciding to run was no easy decision. . . but here we are,
so let me tell you just a little about myself.
I am a fourth generation Oklahoman who was raised in a military family. We moved around quite a bit when I was younger, but Oklahoma became home again when I was 13. I graduated from Tahlequah High School, completed an undergraduate degree At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and attended the University of Tulsa in my forties to complete my law degree. I know Oklahoma and Oklahoma can be better!
I decided to run for Oklahoma State Senate District 3 as an Independent candidate. I am running a fully grassroots campaign and am determined to make a difference in how people work together even if I don't make it to the Senate seat. Several years ago, I registered as an Independent because I was frustrated and disillusioned with the political climate, but now I've seen enough from the sidelines and believe it's time for a change. Our state cannot flourish if it continues to swing on a pendulum from far right to far left. It is time to get people together that can find some common ground and work together. No society benefits from leaders fighting for a party agenda instead of the best interests of the people.
I am an attorney by trade, but have the heart of an advocate. I spent years working as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse before going to law school. Law school was just another way to advocate. As an attorney, I've spent my career representing clients in family law and disability cases, working with families to try and find peaceful solutions, fighting for what's right, and helping people navigate the complexity of the law. In both of my careers, it has been my job to make sure the voices I represent are heard, not my voice...their voice.
Both of my careers have taught me invaluable skills that are critical to understanding how the law impacts each of us. I am aware of where there are gaps in the law, and how laws can be written to properly represent the voice of the people.
But, you want to know the person, not just the career. Well, I'm someone who believes that at the heart of every community are stories that bind us, challenges that define us, and dreams that drive us. I volunteer to serve on the board of organizations like New Song Sanctuary and Tahlequah Step-Up because I believe in taking a stand, particularly when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among us. And yes, that includes our children, who are facing risks that were unimaginable just a generation ago.
Advocating for others is not just a job for me; it's a calling. I've spent nearly a quarter-century responding to crises of domestic violence and sexual assault, chaired task forces to prevent child abuse, and worked tirelessly to ensure that our kids have a fighting chance at a better future. I have a supportive husband of 32 years and together we have raised four beautiful, kind, independent children who contribute to their communities.
But life isn't all about work. I love spending time with my family whether it is jet skiing, traveling to new places, sitting quietly enjoying our hobbies, or rescuing a helpless animal as a wildlife rescuer. These passions might seem unrelated to law or politics, but they're all about one thing: a love for the adventure of life and a deep respect for the world around us.
So, why am I running? Because I believe it's our responsibility to step up when we see problems. I believe in transparency, in holding those in power accountable, and in making sure our schools are places where children can thrive, not just survive. I'm running because I believe we can do better in protecting our children from threats like human trafficking, and because I think that with the right leadership, Oklahoma can flourish. We can be a model for others.
I'm running for State Senate, so I may look like a politician. I'm not. I'm an advocate for change. I'm not running to just occupy a seat. I'm running to listen, to lead, and to fight for our state to bring about real change. I can't do it without your support. Let's do this together.
Your Advocate,
Margaret Cook