Texas State Representative Ellen Cohen didn’t waste any time after her election in 2006 to take on cancer.  With Rice University and Texas Medical Center in her district, an affluent area of Houston, pushed for legislation and funding for cancer research and to develop a statewide blueprint for cancer prevention and control.  A breast cancer survivor herself, “there is nothing more important to me than the health of our Texas families,” said Cohen. 

A 30-year resident of Houston, Ellen Cohen entered politics after serving for 18 years as the CEO for the Houston Area Women’s Center, which is dedicated to eliminating domestic and sexual violence.  In that capacity she managed a $6.2 million budget and a 120-person staff, serving over 6,000 women, children, and men.

Ellen received the “Best Freshman Performance as a Bill Sponsor” from the online political publication Capitol Inside for her work on House Bill 1751 which provided $25 million toward sexual assault and prevention programs.  She was previously recognized by Capitol Inside for the Best General Election Challenger Campaign in 2006.

A proven tough campaigner, Cohen beat a female Republican three-term incumbent in the most expensive house race run in the state of Texas, $800,000.   With the support of the Texas women’s campaign organization, Annie’s List, she won in 2006 and again in 2008. 

Ellen describes her experience of serving in the Texas Legislature as a positive experience within a true citizen’s legislature.  “We have some members who wear Stetsons and cowboys boots and people from all walks of life,” said Cohen.  The Texas Legislature consists of 37 women out of 150 members representing 23%. “Our legislative pay is among the lowest in the country at $7,200 per year which means many women aren’t financially able to serve; it’s very restrictive for working women.”

Considered a risk taker, Ellen Cohen urges more women to enter the political process. “Women really need to be risk takers and recognize that you don’t always win but it’s worth taking a chance.  Women need to take more calculated risks.”

For more information or to contribute to Ellen Cohen, visit: http://www.ellencohen.org/.