Initially, Erin Nellie Cox might appear to be a solid choice for traditional Republicans. She identifies as a “Texas Republican” and held the position of U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas around late 2017, appointed by Donald Trump.
However, like numerous appointees from the Trump administration, she has shown herself to be just another entity within the political landscape. This raises concerns about her trustworthiness among Republican voters.
Cox, who has a long-standing connection to Texas Republican politics, seems to anticipate an effortless transition into a federal judgeship without facing adequate scrutiny.
Currently, she is one of about 20 candidates vying for a federal judgeship in North Texas, yet her record warrants thorough examination.
In light of the events following January 6th, she made a statement condemning the protesters, neglecting to mention that all those who lost their lives that day were supporters of Trump. She remarked that “raiding a government building is a betrayal that undermines the rule of law,” emphasizing her view that those who acted violently in Washington were “anarchists, not patriots,” and should face the full force of the law.
Cox has not addressed various pieces of evidence that challenge the official narrative surrounding January 6th.
Just two days after that day, she tendered her resignation, announced in December, which, while not directly linked to the Capitol events, raises questions about the timing. She claimed the resignation was to allow incoming Biden appointees to take over—a common practice during transitions—but it’s crucial to consider the broader context.
Interestingly, the day prior to her resignation, she submitted a deferred prosecution agreement in a case related to the Boeing 737 Max crash, which resulted in 346 fatalities. This agreement shielded Boeing executives from criminal charges without requiring a guilty plea. Law professor John Coffee labeled it as “one of the worst deferred prosecution agreements I’ve encountered” and noted its lack of precedent.
Boeing’s defense team included Mark Phillip, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis.
Months later, in June, Cox joined the same firm as a partner. Notably, she previously worked to clear one of her clients from legal troubles and then went to work for the firm.
Kirkland & Ellis was not particularly sympathetic to Trump or his policies. During Trump’s first term, the firm provided complimentary representation to immigrants and asylum seekers who were affected by ICE detentions, actively opposing the administration’s “family separation” policy.
A section of their website that detailed such practices has been removed, with only archived versions remaining.
The firm also contested Trump’s attempts to dismantle DACA, offering free legal services to its beneficiaries and filing lawsuits on their behalf—information that has also seemingly vanished from their website. This included their involvement in a lawsuit against Trump’s so-called “Muslim ban.”
Ultimately, while Trump might have the last laugh, Cox’s professional journey speaks volumes about her affiliations.
Kirkland would later cut a deal with the second Trump administration in April, offering $125 million in services to address concerns from the U.S. Employment Opportunity Committee regarding the company’s DEI practices and to avoid potential punitive executive actions.
Meanwhile, Cox’s husband, John “Trey” Cox, has made substantial contributions to Democratic candidates over the last decade, which raises eyebrows.
- Judge Tonya Parker, who received $4,000, is favored by progressive legal elites and became known for her refusal to conduct wedding ceremonies prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, later being honored for her commitment to diversity.
- Judge Emily G. Toborowski, who received $5,000, criticized Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s efforts to stop a gun ban at the State Fair and has also allowed biological male names and genders to change on birth certificates.
- Judge Francis X. Dominguez, who was gifted $2,500, has connections with groups advocating for illegal immigration and has thwarted attempts to shut down a shelter for immigrants.
- Judge Eric V. Moe, who garnered $13,500, openly opposed voter ID laws, denouncing them as voter suppression while equating Trump to Hitler in a past Facebook post.
These contributions clearly indicate a disconnect from Republican values, as 2023 highlights. Yet, Cox, with deep roots in Texas Republican politics, appears to hope for a federal judgeship free from scrutiny.
This oversight would be a costly mistake for Republicans.
Given her harsh words for January 6 protesters, her husband’s financial backing of judges undermining conservative agendas, and her connections with anti-Trump factions, it’s hard to argue that she stands with conservative values.
Although she is among many candidates for North Texas judiciary positions, her track record suggests she should be eliminated from consideration.
