Political Career

J. Ray Cox used the G. I. Bill from his time in World War II to attend college. He first went to Weber State College, then to North Idaho Junior College. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho, and attended their law school. Cox’s love of the law coincided with this love of politics. He was elected as student body president of every college he attended. Cox graduated from University of Idaho in 1953 and created his own law firm. He settled his new family in a tiny lake town, in far northern Idaho, Coeur D'Alene. Although J. Ray Cox was a well-educated and popular Democratic politician in northern Idaho, his loss in the 1974 U.S. House race reflected larger political and personal challenges—namely, his difficulty raising campaign funds, the state’s broader shift toward conservative ideology, and, possibly, concerns about his drinking.

It wasn’t long after graduating from law school before the itch for leading struck again, and Cox ran for Idaho State Senator as a Democrat in 1957 and won. He held that seat from 1957 to 1962. His last year in that office he became Senate minority leader. Cox had a forward thinking view on civil rights that he gained during his time in World War II. From his daughter, Katherine Green, “To me, one of the interesting things about my dad's place in history was the way his views on race evolved. In his world, white supremacy was accepted as a fact of biology. His mom, my Nana Cox, was worse than his dad. Because Grampa Cox (Ray Senior) was a switchman on the Union Pacific Railroad, he worked with black men and respected them as decent, hardworking humans. Nana believed every ridiculous rumor about black bogey men. She once said to me that her neighbor was a black lady but she was OK because "she knew her place." In the service, Dad observed first hand the difference between the way the worst of the southern sailors treated their black counterparts, and the way the guys he respected treated them as equal and valued them as comrades in arms. This didn't impact life in Idaho much, as our African American population was practically zero; but in 1989, when the skinheads established a community in Hayden Lake, he was part of the resistance, actively countering the racist narrative.” [1] Although as Green mentioned there wasn’t a large black population in Idaho, during Cox’s term as Idaho Senator, he helped bring some civil rights legislation to the state. In the 1960 census, it states that Idaho’s population was 98% white and .2% black. This equated to around 1,500 black persons and approximately 600,000 white. [2] In 1959 he voted to repeal a ban on interracial marriage in Idaho. [3] In March of 1961, the Idaho Legislature changed many civil rights laws including: adopted a law barring discrimination in public education, and adopted a law making discrimination in employment subject to criminal penalties and another that banned racial and religious discrimination in public accommodation. [4] Cox was a part of these votes to begin the end of racial discrimination in Idaho. His term in office ended in 1962.

After his successful run as Idaho State Senator, Cox decided to run for Attorney General of Idaho in 1962. By this time, President Kennedy had been elected, and the country was ushering in a new generation, those that were born during the “baby boom” after World War II, and had grown up with the constant threat of a communist and nuclear invasion. The world seemed to be changing, and a new conservative movement was gaining popularity in the country and Idaho.

[1] Cox Green, Katherine. 2025. Description of Race Relations, Oral History.

[2] Table 27. Idaho - Race and Hispanic Origin: 1870 to 1990, table. n.d. N.p.: U.S. Census.gov.

[3] Committee, American J. n.d. The People Take the Lead: A Record of Progress in Civil Rights, 1954 to 1963. N.p.: Institute of Human Relations, 1963.

[4] Committee, American J. n.d. The People Take the Lead: A Record of Progress in Civil Rights, 1954 to 1963. N.p.: Institute of Human Relations, 1963.

An interesting story occurred in Coeur D’ Alene Idaho in 1962. John F. Kennedy was scheduled to make an appearance to help Democratic candidates during this election. Ray Cox, and his friend, Don Adams who was running for Inspector of Mines were at the Twin Falls Idaho airport to greet the President. Don Adam’s son David gives the account, “There is a great back story to the Twin Falls photo. The photo was taken in early October 1962, probably between the 10th, but before the 15th. President Kennedy was supposed to come in for a campaign rally for Frank Church and all the state candidates, but at the last moment was cancelled due to his getting a cold. Lyndon Johnson came instead. The organizers had asked the Twin Falls High School Band to play for the VP, but the school district declined because it was a partisan political event. So, they made an appeal to Burley High School who rushed the forty miles to play for Lyndon’s arrival. One of Lyndon’s advisors told him before they landed what happened. Typical of Johnson, he wanted to stick it up the hind end of the Twin Falls school district so getting off the plane he made a point of going over to the band and shaking hands with every kid in the band thanking them. I remember seeing the photo of him doing it, but don’t have it. Needless to say, the parents of the Twin Falls band members were not happy their kids missed out on the opportunity and the school district took a lot of heat. As for Kennedy’s cold, it was a cover story. About a week before we discovered Soviet Missiles being set up in Cuba. They decided Kennedy would keep up his schedule so as not to tip the Soviets we knew about their missiles. Then as they got close to going public they would announce Kennedy couldn’t leave for his scheduled campaign trips due to illness so not to raise Soviet suspicions.” [5]

[5] Adams, David. 2025. Account of Johnsons' visit to Twin Falls, Oral History.

Resume given out during Cox's 1962 Campaign for Attorney General

Cox lost his race for Attorney General, and went back to his law practice, and his family. But his desire to be in politics had not diminished. During the years between his 1962 run, and his final foray into politics in 1974 seemed to be a struggle for the family. Tensions over Ray’s drinking caused a rift in the family, and there were rumors of infidelity. In fact, things got so bad that Frances, Ray’s wife, filed for divorce. However, being a divorcee with five young children in 1970 was extremely difficult for Frances. There was never a doubt about the love Ray had for Frances, even through the most difficult times. Soon, the couple found a way to reconcile and got remarried in 1971. Society was changing, and those changes were happening in the home as well. Claudia Cox Gheri, Ray’s fourth child, writes about this time, “Those were tough years for all of us - especially Dad - with the huge societal changes happening and his two boys and middle daughter embracing the "Woodstock" era. I can't help but reflect on the adage that no one really knows what's going on in a marriage except the two people involved and I suspect that is true here as well.” [6] The years between 1962 and 1974 were spent doing what could be done to mend the family, accept the choices of his children, and continuing his law practice.

[6] Gheri, Claudia. 2025. Oral History.

Always the entertainer, Cox singing with his boys and neighborhood kids circa 1965

Family Portrait circa 1968

By 1974, Cox was ready to once again throw his hat in the ring of politics, this time running for U.S Representative, on the Democratic ticket. However, times had changed in the country and Idaho. After decades of Democratic government programs, from Roosevelt’s New Deal to Truman’s Great Society, a backlash developed. The conservative movement denounced government programs, and used the rhetoric that these programs were a form of socialism. In addition, this movement was adamantly against civil rights for minorities and women. With the rise of Barry Goldwater, the conservative movement gained momentum. By 1974, most Idahoans embraced this concept. The thoughts of keeping minorities out of Idaho, or at least making sure their rights weren’t increased and keeping “christian” values, meaning a patriarchal society, were some of the main concerns of Idaho. In addition, Idahoans were convinced that the government was taking their hard earned money for taxes to pay for those who were too lazy or those who were trying to manipulate the system. These factors swayed the tide of the state from blue to red.

Cox was running against Steve Symms, a republican. Symms was born in Nampa Idaho in 1938. He also served in World War II as a Marine. Symms grew to be the poster of the Conservative movement in Idaho, the complete opposite of J. Ray Cox. While Cox fought for civil rights, Symms was known to tell an “off-color” joke. [7]

[7] Clark, Trent. 2023. “Opinion: Steve Symms: Idaho's conservative champion.” Idaho State Journal, (August).

Frances and Ray sang, "I Ain't Got Chrisma" at this fundrasing rally.

While Cox felt that keeping the rivers and lakes of Idaho untouched was of utmost importance, Symms was for building and development. Cox had experienced the benefits of government programs like the G.I. Bill. Symms, “staged a race between the U.S. Post Office and a relay team of letter carriers on horseback. The point? Government monopolies should be challenged, otherwise they give us mediocre service at increasingly high prices.” [8] Symms was serious and was known for his football career. While Cox did play a number of sports, he was an entertainer at heart. He loved to sing and play the piano, or the saxophone. He and his wife Frances often entertained crowds at rallies and fundraisers with a song.

[8] Clark, Trent. 2023. “Opinion: Steve Symms: Idaho's conservative champion.” Idaho State Journal, (August).

This was a heated race. “Cox said his major goal as a candidate would be the restoration of confidence and trust in public servants.” [9] Cox listed fighting inflation, development of land-use planning in some form and campaign reforms as some of the issues he will discuss in his campaign.

[9] The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Asks Congress Bid.” May 31, 1974.

One thing Cox did not want was a dam built for electricity. Cox stated, “Construction of power dams in Hells Canyon (of the Middle Snake River) is not necessary at this stage in our history. Dams would wreak havoc with our fisheries and the area. There are other power sources." [10] Cox was very critical of Symm’s public denouncement of the United States government. Cox was proud of this country that he had fought for, and truly believed it had the best form of government. He lived and died by the rule of law. “Cox said he classed himself as a "moderate Democrat," adding that "our system of government is the best on the face of the earth and people who constantly criticize it do a disservice to society." [11] This was a response to Symms negativity over the government and legislation, going so far as to call the government an “ogre.” [12] Cox was especially concerned with campaign funds. The Sunshine Initiative was on the ballot in 1974, “The measure set guidelines for political funds and lobbyist activity disclosure.” [13] Symms opposed this measure while Cox embraced it. Cox stated, “"Big money has led to many evils," said Cox, "and one of the major problems is obtaining money to finance campaigns. I was very proud to sign the Sunshine Initiative." [14] Cox was very transparent about who was donating money to his cause. It was said that he was not very good at fundraising, and wasn’t willing to compromise his principles in order to get a check. This could have been a reason why he lost this election.

[10] The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Enters Demo Race for Congressional Post.” June 1, 1974.

[11] The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Enters Demo Race for Congressional Post.” June 1, 1974

[12] The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Enters Demo Race for Congressional Post.” June 1, 1974

[13] “Idaho Sunshine Law Initiative, INIT 1 (1974).” n.d. Ballotpedia. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://ballotpedia.org/Idaho_Sunshine_Law_Initiative,_INIT_1_(1974).

[14] The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Enters Demo Race for Congressional Post.” June 1, 1974.

Cox campaigning 1974

Cox speaking with potential voters 1974

Cox with Democratic Governor Cecil Andrus 1974

Cox on the campaign trail- 1974

From a brochure to promote Cox in the 1974 House election

One of J Ray Cox’s main slogans during his 1974 campaign was that his opponent Steve Symms was backed by the John Birch Society. That fact alone was enough to vote for Cox over Symms. The John Birch Society was founded in 1958, by Robert H. W. Welch Jr. The John Birch Society, “was to become the largest, most important, best organized, and most formidable “radical” or “ultra” right-wing group of the period. . . although members of the Society preferred the terms “conservative,” “anticommunist,” or “Americanist” to describe themselves— which at the height of its power in the mid-1960s was taken very seriously by considerable swaths of the American population, as well as leading politicians, journalists, academics, and cultural commentators of all kinds.” [15] The Birchers as they came to be known infiltrated conservative politics. The core belief of this groups is that Americans must be wary of communism. This propaganda was especially heightened during the late 1950’s, the age of MccArthyism. Welsh named his society after John Birch, who was a U.S. Army intelligence officer in World War II, who served in China, and became a martyr to a lot of hardline anti-communists because he was killed by Mao’s Communist forces ten days after the end of the war.” [16] Cox spoke out against Symms by stating that “Two years ago national leaders of the John Birch Society and other organizations of the Far Right poured money into Idaho to advance the candidacy of Steve Symms.” [17] Cox was adamant that Symms was only where he was politically because a right winged extremist group put him there. Cox was extremely concerned that Symms would propel Idaho down a road of conservatism. This would reverse any positive legislation for civil rights, the environment, and anyone who was struggling to make ends meet.

[15] Mulloy, D. J. 2014. The World of the John Birch Society: Conspiracy, Conservatism, and the Cold War. N.p.: Vanderbilt University Press, 1.

[16] “The Origins and Afterlife of the Infamous John Birch Society.” 2023. The Progressive Magazine.

[17] Coeur D' Alene Press. 1974. “"The John Birch Society says Steve Symms is the nation's No. 1 congressman. That's a good reason for you to support Ray Cox."” October 3, 1974.

Cox lost his election in 1974 due to two key factors, and one speculation. The first factor was that Cox had trouble raising the money needed to run a successful campaign. He loathed the “song and dance” number of compromising his standards to gain a donation. This is not to say he didn’t fundraise. He just didn’t feel he wanted to trade favors for an election. The second factor was the rise of conservatism in Idaho. Goldwater's 1964 Presidential campaign marked a drastic shift in political ideologies. Idaho embraced the ideals that Goldwater, and the right-winged extremist group, the John Birch Society emphasized. Voters firmly believed that government programs were a form of socialism, and that civil rights should not be granted. Lastly, there is speculation that Cox’s drinking possibly was at play during this election. He always struggled with alcoholism, and this could have cost him the election. Even in defeat, Cox was ever the entertainer. “ In one of my dad's concession speeches in Boise, when he had been drastically outspent, he asked Mom to join him at the mic and they sang "Side by Side" together (in perfect harmony, of course). Musical genius, terrific sense of humor, natural leadership and a lifelong love affair kind of came together in that moment.” [18]

[18] Cox Green, Katherine. 2025. Description of Race Relations, Oral History.

From a brochure to promote Cox in the 1974 House election

This was the last time Ray Cox ran for a political seat. He did continue to serve his community for the rest of his life. Governor Cecil Andrus appointed him to the Idaho State Board of Education, and he sat on numerous committees and boards in Idaho. He spent the rest of his career fighting for those who most needed help in the community.

From a brochure to promote Cox in the 1974 House election

Bibliography

Adams, David. 2025. Account of Johnsons' visit to Twin Falls, Oral History.

Clark, Trent. 2023. “Opinion: Steve Symms: Idaho's conservative champion.” Idaho State Journal, (August). https://www.idahostatejournal.com/freeaccess/opinion-steve-symms-idahos-conservative-champion/article_47b8c378-37ab-11ee-bd91-c303eafe23ce.html.

Cox Gehri, Claudia. 2025. Years of 1960's, Oral History.

Cox Green, Katherine. 2025. Description of Race Relations, Oral History.

The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Asks Congress Bid.” May 31, 1974.

The Idaho Statesman. 1974. “Cox Enters Demo Race for Congressional Post.” June 1, 1974.

“Idaho Sunshine Law Initiative, INIT 1 (1974).” n.d. Ballotpedia. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://ballotpedia.org/Idaho_Sunshine_Law_Initiative,_INIT_1_(1974).

Table 27. Idaho - Race and Hispanic Origin: 1870 to 1990, table. n.d. N.p.: U.S. Census.gov.

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