Cole Hefner has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 2017, representing House District 5, which encompasses Camp, Rains, Titus, Upshur, Wood, and parts of Smith counties. Born and raised in East Texas, he resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Kerri, and their seven children. Before entering the legislature, Hefner was the County Commissioner for Upshur County and owned a commercial construction business for 16 years. Currently, he is involved in the insurance industry as a small business owner.

Hefner's legislative focus is heavily influenced by his background in business and public service. He has served on several important committees, including the Public Education Committee, Ways & Means Committee, and the Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment, where he contributes to discussions on educational reform and resource allocation in Texas schools. His commitment to improving public education is reflected in his support of various bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for all Texas students.

Throughout his time in the legislature, Hefner has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills that highlight his political priorities, particularly in public education, retirement system reforms, and healthcare costs. Notably, he is a co-author of House Bill 775, which seeks to increase retirement benefits for educators, proposing a 10% one-time payment coupled with annual cost-of-living adjustments to support retirees against rising living costs.

In addition, Hefner is involved in House Bill 2886, which establishes the Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Texas Department of Agriculture, addressing food insecurity and promoting agricultural growth. He also championed House Bill 2248, which designates September 30 as Vanessa Guillén Day, raising awareness about issues of sexual violence and missing persons in the military community.

His legislative agenda also touches on electoral processes, having co-sponsored House Bill 1274, which proposes automatic voter registration linked to the issuance of driver's licenses. Furthermore, he authored House Bill 1272, aimed at adjusting the early voting period to enhance accessibility for voters across Texas. His sponsorship of House Bill 3, which addresses border security funding, indicates a strong commitment to law enforcement and safety issues, aligning with the interests of many Texas constituents.

In terms of political leanings, Hefner's support for education reform, public safety, and family-oriented legislation suggests a center-right alignment. He prioritizes fiscal responsibility in government spending, particularly regarding public education funding and utility regulation. His involvement in the business and insurance sectors informs his perspective on economic growth, emphasizing the need to balance regulatory policies with the interests of small businesses.

Overall, Hefner’s legislative activities display a blend of conservative values focused on enhancing education, improving retiree benefits, and promoting family and community initiatives, while also ensuring effective governance and public service in Texas. His active participation in diverse committees further illustrates his commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of his constituents.