Emily Cook, a partner with the law firm Chandler Cook Fitzgerald, PLLC, has announced her candidacy for Liberty County District Attorney in 2028, on the same day as being indicted by a Liberty County grand jury on a felony charge of misapplication of fiduciary property.
According to sources close to the courthouse, the charge stems from Cook’s time serving on the Liberty County Housing Authority Board. Additional details surrounding the indictment have not yet been released.
Cook previously served on the Liberty County Housing Authority alongside former Liberty County Elections Administrator Klint Bush, who is facing criminal charges related to his tenure as chairman of the board. Bush’s trial is currently set for May 2026.
In prior court proceedings connected to Bush’s case, testimony and statements made in open court indicated that Bush and Cook had a personal relationship during the time both served on the Housing Authority. That relationship was referenced as part of testimony regarding alleged violations of Bush’s bond conditions.
Cook also previously served as chair of the Liberty County Republican Party but stepped down following developments in Bush’s case.
Her candidacy comes as her law firm partners are also involved in upcoming judicial roles and elections. Joshua Fitzgerald, a partner at the firm, was recently elected as judge of the 253rd State District Court and is set to take office in January 2027. Another partner, J.D. Chandler, is currently in a runoff election for the 75th State District Court bench against Michelle Merendino, with that race to be decided in May.
In a statement announcing her candidacy, Cook said, “Since the recent Republican Party primary election, there have been a lot of social media conversations about the possibility of me running for District Attorney of Liberty County. I wanted to set the record straight – I have indeed decided to run for District Attorney in the 2028 Republican Party primary. The primary results have shown a clear mandate that Liberty County is ready for leadership that is fair and efficient to all. Our family and friends look forward to the race before us as we strive to continue serving Liberty County in this new role.”
It is unclear how the pending charge may impact Cook’s campaign. As of press time, no additional statements regarding the indictment had been released.