Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook earned a high school diploma from Boston College High School, a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University in 1976, and a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1992. His career experience includes working as an IT project manager.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Thomas J Cook, son of a Boston city firefighter and mother was a telephone operator. I am a 40 year federal worker with 30 years in Washington D.C. I graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. and Johns Hopkins University with a Master's in Finance and Information Technology. I came to Philadelphia on an eye cancer diagnosis in 2019 and was treated at Wills Eye and Jefferson Oncology and now I am a cancer survivor for the past 6 years and living in the 3rd district with follow-up chemotherapy at Jefferson Hospital. I am running for the PA 3rd Congressional District seat because of the egregious treatment of my fellow federal workers and the lack of Congress to find a resolution to the health care crisis. I know personally how important health care is to every Philadelphian and American. I am for protection of Social Security and Medicare. I am Pro Choice and Pro LGBTQ. Our reproduction rights, our gay and transgender rights, our voting rights, freedom of press and freedom to protest peacefully are challenged every day and threatened to be taken away. Affordability is on the ballot in 2026! Affordable groceries and utilities, affordable housing, and affordable education. I will fight for all of these issues against Washington D.C. billionaires and bullies. We must defend our god given rights! Please go to www.TJCook.com and join my team. We The People must stand together!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordability is on the ballot. Groceries like beef, coffee, and even bananas all have had dramatic prices increases in the past year. Tariffs played a role and only last November did the Administration roll back these tariffs when they realized the price increases. You do not tariff what you do not produce! Utility bills are skyrocketing and again a tariff on copper by this Administration. 40% on finished copper goods and we only produce a little copper in Arizona. Copper is used by all utilities. Higher prices add to higher utility bills! Copper is also used in the housing industry in wiring and adds to cost of new and used homes and used in electric vehicles and adds to their cost to us. Affordable education is a priority.Good paying jobs! AI has devastated entry level jobs for Millennials', Gen Z's, and GenX. National unemployment is around 4.3% but our younger generations are experiencing 10% unemployment trying to enter the job market. We need more jobs for our younger job seekers. Also, federal workers need their jobs back that were egregiously taken away with federal employees fired by DOGE and this Administration. I will fight for these jobs!Government should be giving citizens a helping hand but not a hand out. I believe as a Moderate Democrat that immigration should be fair and legal with closed borders but opportunity for all outside U.S.A. to apply for citizenship legally and through proper legal channels. Citizens should be freely allowed to protest the present Administration's sweeping immigration policy but peacefully. ICE should not be allowed to tear gas peaceful demonstrations.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am a cancer survivor, so health care is a priority. HHS funding for research to NIH and colleges and universities should be fully restored. Health care should be affordable.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

As a retired 40 year federal employee with 30 years working in Washington D.C. I have solicited federal, state, county, and municipal unions in support of their fair treatment and fair and livable wages for all of their members.