In 1982, Cox considered a run for Ohio Treasurer,[5] and eventually entered the race.[6] However, he lost the primary nomination.[7] While defeated in the treasurer's election, new Ohio GovernorDick Celeste announced soon after that he would appoint Cox as the Director for the Department of Public Safety.[8]
Celeste again appointed Cox as Department of Commerce Director in 1985.[9] Two years later, he left state government to work as a private consultant. He went on to return to his roots, running for Barberton City Council in 1993 and winning a seat, and has since advocated for his local communities.