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Michael Cooper (Texas)

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Michael Cooper
Image of Michael Cooper
Elections and appointments
Last election

March 1, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

Lamar University

Graduate

Grand Canyon University

Personal
Birthplace
Beaumont, Texas
Profession
Business executive
Contact

Michael Cooper (Democratic Party) ran for election for Governor of Texas. He lost in the Democratic primary on March 1, 2022.

Biography

Michael Cooper was born in Beaumont, Texas. Cooper earned a bachelor's degree in business from Lamar University and a master's degree in psychology from Grand Canyon University. His career experience includes working as a pastor at his local church, president of the South East Texas Toyota Dealers, and in executive management with Kinsel Motors.[1][2]

Elections

2022

See also: Texas gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Texas on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott (R)
 
54.8
 
4,437,099
Image of Beto O'Rourke
Beto O'Rourke (D)
 
43.9
 
3,553,656
Image of Mark Tippetts
Mark Tippetts (L) Candidate Connection
 
1.0
 
81,932
Image of Delilah Barrios
Delilah Barrios (G)
 
0.4
 
28,584
Image of Jacqueline Abernathy
Jacqueline Abernathy (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
1,243
Image of Mark Goloby
Mark Goloby (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
394

Total votes: 8,102,908
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Texas

Beto O'Rourke defeated Joy Diaz, Michael Cooper, Rich Wakeland, and Inocencio Barrientez in the Democratic primary for Governor of Texas on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Beto O'Rourke
Beto O'Rourke
 
91.4
 
983,182
Image of Joy Diaz
Joy Diaz Candidate Connection
 
3.1
 
33,622
Image of Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper
 
3.0
 
32,673
Image of Rich Wakeland
Rich Wakeland Candidate Connection
 
1.2
 
13,237
Inocencio Barrientez
 
1.2
 
12,887

Total votes: 1,075,601
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Texas on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott
 
66.5
 
1,299,059
Image of Allen B. West
Allen B. West Candidate Connection
 
12.3
 
239,557
Image of Donald Huffines
Donald Huffines
 
12.0
 
234,138
Image of Chad Prather
Chad Prather
 
3.8
 
74,173
Rick Perry
 
3.1
 
61,424
Image of Kandy Kaye Horn
Kandy Kaye Horn Candidate Connection
 
1.2
 
23,605
Paul Belew
 
0.6
 
11,387
Image of Daniel Harrison
Daniel Harrison Candidate Connection
 
0.6
 
10,829

Total votes: 1,954,172
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Green convention

Green convention for Governor of Texas

Delilah Barrios advanced from the Green convention for Governor of Texas on April 9, 2022.

Candidate
Image of Delilah Barrios
Delilah Barrios (G)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Governor of Texas

Mark Tippetts defeated Fidel Castillo in the Libertarian convention for Governor of Texas on April 10, 2022.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Campaign finance

2020

See also: United States Senate election in Texas, 2020

United States Senate election in Texas, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

United States Senate election in Texas, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Texas

Incumbent John Cornyn defeated Mary Jennings Hegar, Kerry McKennon, David B. Collins, and Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla in the general election for U.S. Senate Texas on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John Cornyn
John Cornyn (R)
 
53.5
 
5,962,983
Image of Mary Jennings Hegar
Mary Jennings Hegar (D)
 
43.9
 
4,888,764
Image of Kerry McKennon
Kerry McKennon (L) Candidate Connection
 
1.9
 
209,722
Image of David B. Collins
David B. Collins (G) Candidate Connection
 
0.7
 
81,893
Image of Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla
Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
678

Total votes: 11,144,040
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. Senate Texas

Mary Jennings Hegar defeated Royce West in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. Senate Texas on July 14, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mary Jennings Hegar
Mary Jennings Hegar
 
52.2
 
502,516
Image of Royce West
Royce West
 
47.8
 
459,457

Total votes: 961,973
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mary Jennings Hegar
Mary Jennings Hegar
 
22.3
 
417,160
Image of Royce West
Royce West
 
14.7
 
274,074
Image of Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez
Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez
 
13.2
 
246,659
Image of Annie Garcia
Annie Garcia Candidate Connection
 
10.3
 
191,900
Image of Amanda Edwards
Amanda Edwards
 
10.1
 
189,624
Image of Chris Bell
Chris Bell
 
8.5
 
159,751
Image of Sema Hernandez
Sema Hernandez Candidate Connection
 
7.4
 
137,892
Image of Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper
 
4.9
 
92,463
Image of Victor Harris
Victor Harris Candidate Connection
 
3.2
 
59,710
Image of Adrian Ocegueda
Adrian Ocegueda
 
2.2
 
41,566
Image of Jack Daniel Foster Jr.
Jack Daniel Foster Jr. Candidate Connection
 
1.7
 
31,718
Image of D.R. Hunter
D.R. Hunter
 
1.4
 
26,902

Total votes: 1,869,419
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas

Incumbent John Cornyn defeated Dwayne Stovall, Mark Yancey, John Castro, and Virgil Bierschwale in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of John Cornyn
John Cornyn
 
76.0
 
1,470,669
Image of Dwayne Stovall
Dwayne Stovall
 
11.9
 
231,104
Image of Mark Yancey
Mark Yancey Candidate Connection
 
6.5
 
124,864
Image of John Castro
John Castro Candidate Connection
 
4.5
 
86,916
Image of Virgil Bierschwale
Virgil Bierschwale Candidate Connection
 
1.1
 
20,494

Total votes: 1,934,047
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Green convention

Green convention for U.S. Senate Texas

David B. Collins advanced from the Green convention for U.S. Senate Texas on April 18, 2020.

Candidate
Image of David B. Collins
David B. Collins (G) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Texas

Kerry McKennon advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Texas on August 3, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Kerry McKennon
Kerry McKennon (L) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2018

See also: Texas lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Lieutenant Governor of Texas

Incumbent Dan Patrick defeated Mike Collier and Kerry McKennon in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of Texas on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Dan Patrick
Dan Patrick (R)
 
51.3
 
4,260,990
Image of Mike Collier
Mike Collier (D) Candidate Connection
 
46.5
 
3,860,865
Image of Kerry McKennon
Kerry McKennon (L) Candidate Connection
 
2.2
 
183,516

Total votes: 8,305,371
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Texas

Mike Collier defeated Michael Cooper in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Texas on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mike Collier
Mike Collier Candidate Connection
 
52.4
 
500,568
Image of Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper
 
47.6
 
455,222

Total votes: 955,790
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Texas

Incumbent Dan Patrick defeated Scott Milder in the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Texas on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Dan Patrick
Dan Patrick
 
75.9
 
1,164,065
Image of Scott Milder
Scott Milder
 
24.1
 
369,143

Total votes: 1,533,208
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michael Cooper did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Cooper's campaign website stated the following:

Education

We must ensure that our teachers are motivated to put forward their best effort to help our children learn the skills needed to succeed and equip our children with the proper tools required to thrive in an increasingly demanding and uncertain job world.

PROPER TOOLS

We must ensure that our teachers are motivated to put forward their best effort to help our children learn the skills needed to succeed and equip our children with the proper tools required to thrive in an increasingly demanding and uncertain job world.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Although the Independent School District (ISD) is self-governed, with their own leadership hierarchy, they are accountable to state and federal entities.

Michael Cooper strongly feels that we must do better for our children. We need to bring building trades back to our schools and partner with trade, community, city, and state colleges to construct continuation programs that will credit these trades toward their degree.

These programs can also be utilized as a certificate program so that our graduates can be equipped as an independent operator and /or adequately be placed in a usable workforce.


“Education is an ornament in prosperity & a refuge in adversity.”

–Aristotle–

EDUCATION ATTAINED

According to the world population review, while coming in overall at No. 39, Texas ranks 43rd in educational attainment.

Our Education System

Education is one of the main reasons why Michael Cooper has been drawn back to the campaign trail. In 2019, according to the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, our biggest problems facing K-12 public education in Texas are:

- Low-Paid Teachers -

- Public School System Funding -

- Unequal Resources Among Schools -

- School Accountability -

- Quality of Teachers -

As governor, Michael Cooper will address all of these issues and work with the experts to devise a feasible plan that will benefit our education system.

BENEFITS ATTRIBUTABLE TO QUALITY EDUCATION

Education helps strengthen institutions within societies, drives long-term economic growth, reduces poverty, and inspires innovation. When schools and education systems are managed well, learning happens.

A good and relevant education is essential to help strengthen and prepare our children for whatever future they desire.

Youth Programs

Idle hands are the root of mischief. Through creativity and resourcefulness, we can motivate our youth to place their displaced energy towards career opportunities.

Quality Teachers

Introduce a merit-based teacher recruitment system where only the most talented and motivated teachers are selected.

Better Pay

Teachers are underpaid and undervalued. They hold the key ingredient to our economy and criminal justice reform.

Climate Change

On June 4, 2021, Texas Public Utility Commission approved a rule requiring power companies to use “best efforts” to ensure plants can operate in the winter. This is not enough. The shift in climate is affecting our fish and wildlife.

WEATHERIZATION

On June 4, 2021, Texas Public Utility Commission approved a rule requiring power companies to use “best efforts” to ensure plants can operate in the winter.

This is not enough, the shifts in temperatures and weather patterns have affected our fish and wildlife. We must take immediate steps toward ensuring that not only ERCOT follows proper procedures to ensure our heating and cooling systems are powered, but to put in place an incentive that gears towards going green.

HEAT INDEX

Michael Cooper is a firm believer that we need to make a greener carbon footprint sooner than later.

A report from the state climatologist finds that the state is experiencing hotter days with less relief from high temperatures at night.

The Texas Tribune released an article indicating that climate change is making Texas hotter, threatening public health, water supply, and the state’s infrastructure.

ERCOT POWER FAILER

In February 2021, Texas suffered a major power crisis that cutoff power to millions of its citizens causing severe damage and death.

GREENER CARBON FOOTPRINT

Michael Cooper is a firm believer that we need to make a greener carbon footprint sooner than later to help prevent greater natural disasters headed our way.

Power Failure

As a result of a severe winter storms sweeping across Texas.

Capitol Building

State agencies reported spending $41 million on the storm.

February 2021 Winter Storm

Snow and ice made roads impassable, caused pipes to freeze, and resulted in homes and businesses being flooded.

VOTE MICHAEL COOPER FOR TEXAS GOVERNOR

Help Michael Cooper make a difference. Let’s work together to build a better Texas. Through greener carbon footprints we can make a change that will preserve our children’s future.

Texas Economy

Gross domestic product (GDP) has Texas rated as #9 in the Nation. Our goal is to be #1. We have fought a good fight, now we must win the battle. Covid-19 has put a strain on our Nation and has caused many Texans a great deal of pain. We must put our state back on track. We must listen to our experts, learn from others mistakes, and remain on top of the issues. This is how we can win the battle and become number #1.

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF DALLAS

"Texas Economic Activity Springs Ahead as Growth Strengthens"

Gross domestic product (GDP) has Texas rated as #9 in the Nation. Our goal is to be #1. We have fought a good fight, now we must win the battle. Covid-19 has put a strain on our Nation and has caused many of Texans a great deal of pain.

We must listen to our experts, learn from other’s mistakes, and remain on top of the issues. This is how we can win the battle and become number #1.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We must take advantage of our power to elect and monitor the progress of our state’s infrastructure. In 2021, Texas legislators passed HRJ 99 allowing Texans to vote on Proposition 2, an amendment to the Texas constitution.

NATURAL RESOURCES.

Let's work together in improving our natural resources properly. By going green, our energy resources will increase the number of jobs added to Texas. In addition, due to the demand of gas and oil, Texas just announced that they are uncapping multiple oil wells to help with the gas crisis.

Infrastructure

Monitor the progression of our infrastructures.

Windmill Power

Road to a greener carbon footprint

Oil and Gas

Texas uncapped multiple oil wells to help with the gas crisis.

Criminal Justice Reform

Community Outreach—Spreading awareness and making social and policy changes will help ensure the safety of all citizens.

Gun Control - Expand background checks to include individuals 25 and under nationwide.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Spreading awareness and making social and policy changes will help ensure the safety of all citizens.

GUN CONTROL

Expand background checks to include individuals 25 and under Nationwide.

“The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.” – Aristotle –

ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS NEVER EASY


We must work unitedly to reform the criminal justice and immigration enforcement systems to ensure that they operate fairly and equitably.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle –

GUN VIOLENCE

TEXAS CRIME RATE

The Texas crime rate, including both violent and property crimes, are on the rise. Learn more about the crime statistics reported from local law enforcement agencies through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

POLICY CHANGE AND PROPER LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING

Michael Cooper plans to initiate policy changes that will effectively reduce racial profiling, police brutality, overcriminalization, mass incarceration, and recidivism in this great state of Texas.

Remove all forms of abuse and neglect.

Equip and train our law enforcement officers on saving lives not ending them.

Ensure the punishment fits the crime.

Approximately 2.2 million people are behind bars in the United States.

Unconstitutional, inhumane conditions.

It is our constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

Human Rights

We must accept individuals as they are and the uniqueness that they bring to the world. Our society should consist of diversity, not discrimination.

Our color, race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, social, and ethnic backgrounds afford us our own unique talent that makes up this great state of Texas.

DIVERSITY

Is What Makes Texas Strong

We must accept individuals as they are and the uniqueness that they bring to the world. Our society should consist of diversity, not discrimination.

Our color, race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, social, and ethnic backgrounds afford us our own unique talent that makes up this great state of Texas.

EQUALITY

As governor, I will fight for all rights of all citizens. All people are equal citizens and deserve the right to be treated fairly.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

We are a stronger state due to diversity. We must utilize the talents of all our citizens. Our individuality is what makes up this great state of Texas.

Economic Empowerment

We must recognize and value women’s contributions and make it possible to negotiate a fairer distribution of benefits and growth.

Voting Rights

Be your own voice. Use the tools provided by our constitution to be heard. Vote Michael Cooper for Texas Governor.

LGBTQIA2S+

Everyone should have the same fundamental human rights, regardless of their sexual orientation and their gender identity

Texas/Mexico Border Security

According to the Texas Tribune, a surge of migrants arriving at the Texas-Mexico border has pushed the country's immigration system to the breaking point as new policies aimed at both undocumented immigrants and legal asylum seekers have contributed to a humanitarian crisis.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

According to the Texas Tribune, a surge of migrants arriving at the Texas/Mexico border has pushed the country's immigration system to the breaking point as new policies aimed at both undocumented immigrants and legal asylum seekers have contributed to a humanitarian crisis.

Our system is being overwhelmed as the number of unaccompanied children that are being taken into border authority custody continues to grow.

TEXAS BORDER SECURITY

President Biden has already started undoing some of the harmful policies of the past administration. He reached out to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz, a native Texan raised in Del Rio, to help with the crisis.

Michael Cooper will meet with seasoned veterans like Raul Ortiz to help develop a feasible plan that will better secure Texas borders and ensure that everyone his handle with humanity.

N. E. W.

North of Texas (Oklahoma border), East of Texas (Louisiana border), and West of Texas (New Mexico border). Our border doesn't start or stop along the Mexico border, it's far deeper and less secure then you can imagine. Lets put our resources where it counts.

WRONG DIRECTION

As of November 2, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott's "Border Wall Funding" raised approximately $54,384,073 in donations.

This is NOT the answer and is a waste of valuable resources. Let's not go backwards and continue on this path of wasteful spending. There are other ways to resolve this issue.

Border Crossing

Initiate firmer policies to ease and secure border traffic.

Border Trafficking

Utilize modern technology to seek out all forms of trafficking.

Border Security.

Format a task force to reduce the influx of migrants to our region.

Healthcare

Texas has the means and resources to provide quality healthcare to all Texans. Through policy changes, we can ensure that all Texans are covered with lower co-pay and deductibles.

AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE

Texas has the means and resources to provide quality healthcare to all Texans. Through policy changes, we can ensure that all Texans are covered with lower co-pay and deductibles.

Michael Cooper plans to meet with major insurance organizations and work together on rewriting polices to include the coverage, pre-existing conditions, and preventive care incentives.

COVID-19

The strain on our economy is streaming from the Covid-19 virus and all of its variants such as the Omicron variant.

Routine Check-Ups.

No one is immune to what our future holds.

Healthcare Workers.

We must work unitedly to relieve the ongoing stress and pressures on our healthcare system.

Get Vaccinated

Let's do our part to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and its variants.

Affordable Housing

Over 42% of Texas families have incomes less than 30% of the area median family income. That is a yearly income of less than $14,688 for a family of three living in Dallas.

LOW INCOME HOUSING

Over 42% of Texas families have incomes less than 30% of the area median family income. That is a yearly income of less than $14,688 for a family of three living in Dallas, TX.

To solve the low-income housing crisis, we must set priorities, leverage community resources, and provide adequate financial resources.

Michael Cooper will make single-dwelling housing more affordable and the purchasing of homes easier for Section 8 tenants. He will call this the phase out "8" act. The number eight also means “new beginnings” in Hebrew and we want to give those people a new start in life.

HOMELESS AND MENTALLY ILL

Michael Cooper has devised a plan to form a committee that will work tirelessly with each of the 254 counties to help get the homeless off the streets.

Michael Cooper will work with government agencies to get the necessary assistance needed to deal with the mental illnesses of both the homeless and veterans of Texas.

Paycheck to Paycheck

Many Texans live paycheck to paycheck, you never know when yours may run out.

Food, Shelter, and Health

These are the bare necessities needed for all life as we know it.

Get to the Root of the Problem

Food banks and handouts are not working. We must look at the root of the problem.[3]

—Michael Cooper's campaign website (2022)[4]

2020

Michael Cooper did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

See also


External links

Footnotes