Representative Sheryl Cole is a dedicated public servant with a strong background in community advocacy and leadership within the Texas Legislature. Her journey began at the local level, where she was actively involved in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and served as a Tri-Chair on the Austin Independent School District Bond Committee, contributing to educational initiatives. Sheryl's political career includes three terms on the Austin City Council, culminating in her role as the first African American female Mayor Pro Tempore of Austin. Since 2018, she has represented the communities of East Austin, Manor, and Pflugerville in the Texas House of Representatives.

Sheryl Cole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas. In addition to her legislative responsibilities, she is a proud mother of three sons, Marcus, Nelson, and Femi, and is an active member of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, reflecting her commitment to family and community values.

In the Legislature, Representative Cole serves as the Vice Chair of the House Administration Committee and is a member of the Higher Education Committee and the Business & Industry Committee. She is also affiliated with the House Democratic Caucus, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, where she was honored as Freshman of the Year, the Progressive Caucus, the Texas Energy and Climate Caucus, and the LGBTQ Caucus. These memberships highlight her advocacy for diverse issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.

Cole has sponsored several significant bills that reflect her policy priorities and the political landscape in Texas. A notable bill, House Bill 775, addresses the benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, proposing a one-time 10% increase in retirement benefits and a 4% annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. This legislation aims to enhance the financial security of educators, particularly in the face of rising living costs. The general sentiment surrounding this bill is positive among education advocates, though concerns about the long-term sustainability of such measures have also been voiced.

Representative Cole is also a joint author of House Bill 2886, which seeks to establish an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Texas Department of Agriculture. This initiative aims to address food insecurity by coordinating local resources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reflecting a commitment to improving community health and access to nutritional services.

In health policy, Cole supports House Bill 3377, which mandates offering HIV tests during STI screenings, aimed at increasing testing rates and reducing stigma associated with HIV. There has been supportive sentiment for this initiative among public health advocates, underlining Cole’s focus on expanding healthcare access and awareness.

Representative Cole has also been instrumental in initiatives regarding educational equity. She is a co-author of House Bill 45, which mandates the inclusion of ethnic studies in public school curricula, enhancing cultural sensitivity and awareness among Texas students. The sentiment around this bill is overwhelmingly positive as it promises to foster inclusivity in education.

In terms of political leanings, Sheryl Cole’s legislative actions underscore her alignment with progressive values, particularly concerning education, public health, and food security. Her sponsorship of bills aimed at enhancing the rights of retirees, expanding healthcare access, and promoting educational equity highlights her commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

Overall, Representative Cole's initiatives reflect a dedication to legislative action that prioritizes the well-being of her constituents and addresses systemic inequities within Texas society. She continues to serve as a strong voice for her district and an advocate for policies that uplift underserved populations.