Quick Facts
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Biography
Terrance John Cox (born July 18, 1963) is an American engineer, businessman, and politician serving as the U.S. Representative from California's 21st congressional district. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Early life and career
Cox was born in Walnut Creek, California. His father, who taught chemical engineering, immigrated from China and his mother is from the Philippines. He received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1986and later attained his Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. He started two businesses that process nuts. He also managed a community development enterprise.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
Cox ran for the United States House of Representatives in California's 19th congressional district in the 2006 elections. He lost to George Radanovich.
In the 2018 elections, Cox again ran for the United States House of Representatives, this time in California's 21st congressional district. Cox began this congressional bid in 2017, competing in California's 10th district primary race against several other Democratic candidates.
However, Emilio Huerta, the only Democratic challenger in the 21st district, withdrew from the race prior to the filing deadline to appear on the primary election ballot. Cox withdrew from the 10th district race to instead run in the 21st district against incumbent Representative David Valadao. He and Valadao advanced from the June 5 top-two primary election to the November 6 general election.
On election night, and for several days after the election, Valadao had more votes, but Cox's vote count pulled into the lead on November 26. By November 28, major news sources called the race for Cox, with Valadao conceding the race the following week. Cox's victory was considered an upset, as most election forecasters rated Valadao as the favorite.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Agriculture
- Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture
- Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (chair)
- Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife
Caucus memberships
- Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Electoral History
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | David Valadao (incumbent) | 34,290 | 62.8 | |
| Democratic | TJ Cox | 20,293 | 37.2 | |
| Total votes | 54,583 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | TJ Cox | 57239 | 50.4 | |
| Republican | David Valadao (incumbent) | 56,377 | 49.6 | |
| Total votes | 113,616 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
Personal life
Cox has four children with his wife, pediatrician Kathleen Murphy.
