Mike is from Houston and attended Westbury High School. He holds an associate's degree from Houston Community College and a bachelor's degree in general studies from the University of Houston-Downtown. He is married to his wife, Helen, with whom he has 1 son, who passed away in 2020, and 2 grandchildren. He previously served as Spring Branch Management District's director of community service and as a former president of Yupon Estates Homeowners Association.

Mike owns a consulting and training services organization, Cutting Edge Communications. He previously worked as a police officer nad investigator with the Houston Police Department (HPD). He also held positions as a Patrol Officer, Dispatcher, Juvenile Investigator, General Investigator, and Gang Investigator with the HPD. He served as a Sergeant with the US Air Force for 4 years. He is also a founding board member of The Texas Gang Investigators Association.

Mike Knox previously served as a member of the Houston City Council. He was elected to this position in 2015 and served for 2 full terms. He also served as a director of the Houston Police Union and as chairperson of the Houston Police Union's Legislative Committee.