rellis23@Nul.org

Rodney Ellis was born and raised in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood, the proud son of a yardman and a maid. As Commissioner of Harris County Precinct One, Ellis plays a critical role on the court by securing misdemeanor bail reform, flood equity guidelines, stronger worker protections and economic opportunity provisions, funding for indigent defense and COVID-19 recovery funding. The latter includes direct relief for residents, small businesses, emergency rental assistance, and shelters for those experiencing homelessness. Ellis served three terms on the Houston City Council before being elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. For 26 years, he represented the state’s 13th district, and passed over 700 pieces of legislation. Ellis was elected county commissioner and sworn into office on January 1, 2017.