Paul Cook (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Cook
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| Vice Chair of San Bernardino County | |
| In office January 10, 2023 – January 8, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Dawn Rowe |
| Succeeded by | Joe Baca, Jr. |
| Member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors from the 1st district |
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| Assumed office December 7, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Lovingood |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 8th district |
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| In office January 3, 2013 – December 7, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Jerry Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Jay Obernolte |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 65th district |
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| In office December 4, 2006 – November 30, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Russ Bogh |
| Succeeded by | Sharon Quirk-Silva |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Paul Joseph Cook
March 3, 1943 Meriden, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jeanne Cook |
| Residences | Apple Valley, California, U.S. |
| Education | Southern Connecticut State University (BS) California State University, San Bernardino (MPA) University of California, Riverside (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1966–1992 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Bronze Star Purple Heart (2) |
Paul Joseph Cook (born March 3, 1943) is an American politician. He has served as a San Bernardino County Supervisor since 2020. Before that, he was a U.S. Representative for California's 8th congressional district from 2013 to 2020.
Cook is a member of the Republican Party. He also served on the Yucca Valley Town Council from 1998 to 2006. From 2006 to 2012, he represented the 65th district in the California State Assembly.
In September 2019, Cook announced he would not run for Congress again. Instead, he decided to run for a seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. He won the primary election on March 3, 2020. This meant he became the new supervisor for San Bernardino County's 1st district. Cook started his new role on December 7, 2020.
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Early Life and Education
Paul Cook was born in Meriden, Connecticut in 1943. He grew up there and moved to California after his military career. In 1966, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching from Southern Connecticut State University.
Military Service
Later in 1966, Cook joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as an infantry officer in the Vietnam War. For his brave actions, he received many awards, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He served in the Marine Corps for 26 years.
After retiring from the Marines in 1992 as a Colonel, he continued his education. He earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from California State University, San Bernardino in 1996. In 2000, he received a master's degree in political science from University of California Riverside.
Early Career and Teaching
From 1993 to 1994, Paul Cook was the Director of the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce. He also taught as a professor at Copper Mountain College from 1998 to 2002. Since 2002, Cook has taught courses at University of California Riverside.
California State Assembly
Running for Office
In 2006, Cook decided to run for the California's 65th Assembly District. He won the Republican primary election. In the main election, he defeated Democrat Rita Ramirez-Dean. He was re-elected for a second term in 2008 and a third term in 2010.
Serving in the Assembly
The 65th district covered many cities and areas. These included Banning, Beaumont, Big Bear Lake, and Yucca Valley. The district included parts of Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Inyo County, and Mono County.
Cook was known for his strong support of businesses and taxpayers. In 2010, he was chosen to lead the Veterans Affairs Committee. This was a special appointment because he was a Republican chosen by a Democratic leader.
Committee Work
While in the Assembly, Cook worked on several important committees:
- Accountability and Administrative Review Committee
- Budget Committee
- Emergency Management Committee
- Governmental Organization Committee
- Higher Education Committee
- Inland Empire Transportation Issues Committee
- Master Plan for Higher Education
- Preservation of California's Entertainment Industry Committee
- Sunset Review Committee
- Veterans Affairs Committee (Chair)
- Judiciary Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Campaigning for Congress
In January 2012, the long-serving U.S. Representative for the 8th district, Jerry Lewis, announced he would not run again. Paul Cook decided to run for this seat. He finished second in the primary election, which had 13 candidates.
Cook received support from various groups and individuals. These included the California Off-Road Vehicle Association and the San Bernardino Sun newspaper. In the November election, Cook won against fellow Republican Gregg Imus.
Serving in Congress
As a U.S. Representative, Cook worked on several important issues. In 2013, he supported the Keystone XL pipeline project. He believed it would create many jobs.
He also voted to change the Affordable Care Act. Cook stated his goal was to help Americans get good healthcare that fit their budget. He supported tax changes in 2017, believing they would help middle-class and low-income families.
Committee Work in Congress
Cook was a member of these important committees in the U.S. House of Representatives:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
- Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
- Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia
- Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
- Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Personal Life
Paul Cook lives in Apple Valley, California with his wife, Jeanne.
