Representative Byron Cook was first elected to represent HD-8 in 2002. In 2007, Cook was appointed as chairman of the House Committee on Civil Practices and served as a member on the House Committee on State Affairs and the Sunset Advisory Commission.

The Texas Municipal League honored Cook as their “Legislator of the Month” and was named as one the "Ten Best Legislators,” by Texas Monthly magazine.

Cook has also received the coveted "Friends of Medicine Award" from the Texas Medical Association.

In 2009 Cook was appointed chairman of the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, the vice chairman of the Local and Consent Calendars, and a member on the State Affairs and Calendars committees.

Cook and his wife Kay live in Corsicana and are the parents of two daughters.