Jake Ellzey

John Kevin "Jake" Ellzey Sr. is an American politician and former military officer currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 6th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since 2021. Ellzey's career has included military service as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy, as well as roles in commercial aviation and public service. He has a background in both state and federal politics, having previously served in the Texas House of Representatives before his election to Congress.

Early life and career

Jake Ellzey was born on January 24, 1970, in Amarillo, Texas, and grew up in Perryton, Texas. He pursued higher education at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1992. Following his graduation, Ellzey embarked on a military career in the United States Navy, where he served as a fighter pilot. Over the course of his two-decade military career, he completed nine deployments, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, gaining significant experience in aviation and military operations.

After retiring from the Navy, Ellzey transitioned to a civilian career as a commercial airline pilot, working for Southwest Airlines. In addition to his work in aviation, he served as a consultant and held a position as a social aide in the White House Office during the administration of President George W. Bush. His commitment to veterans' affairs led him to become one of five commissioners of the Texas Veterans Commission from 2012 to 2018, where he contributed to the oversight of programs and services for Texas veterans.

Ellzey first entered the political arena in 2018 when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas's 6th congressional district. Although he was endorsed by The Dallas Morning News, he finished second in the Republican primary, losing to Ron Wright, who subsequently won the general election. Undeterred, Ellzey continued his political pursuits and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2020, representing the 10th district. He took office on January 12, 2021, but resigned in July of that year to assume his congressional seat.

House tenure

Ellzey's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began following a special election held to fill the vacancy left by the late Ron Wright. He announced his candidacy for Texas's 6th congressional district on February 26, 2021, and participated in a nonpartisan blanket primary that included 23 candidates. Ellzey finished second to Susan Wright, Ron Wright's widow, who had received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. In the runoff election held on July 27, 2021, Ellzey secured victory against Wright, winning approximately 53% of the vote.

He was sworn into office on July 30, 2021. In the 2022 election cycle, Ellzey successfully defeated his opponents in the Republican primary and was re-elected unopposed in the general election. His re-election campaign in 2024 saw him defeating Democrat John Love III, a former member of the Midland city council, with a significant majority of the vote.

During his time in Congress, Ellzey has been involved in various legislative activities and has taken positions on key issues. At the beginning of the 118th Congress, he supported Rep. Kevin McCarthy in his bid for the House speakership, voting for him in all rounds of voting. However, he later opposed the vote to remove McCarthy from the speakership in October 2023. In subsequent votes for a new speaker, Ellzey was among the Republicans who voted against Jim Jordan's nomination. He ultimately supported Mike Johnson in the final ballot for the speakership.

Ellzey's congressional activities also included participation in a bipartisan delegation that visited Tel Aviv in June 2024, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reflecting his engagement in international relations and support for U.S.-Israel relations.

Legislative focus and committees

In the 119th Congress, Jake Ellzey has been assigned to several important committees that shape federal policy. He serves on the Committee on Appropriations, where he holds the position of Vice Chair on the Subcommittee on Defense. This role places him in a significant position regarding funding and oversight of defense-related expenditures. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, indicating a broad focus on various aspects of federal spending.

Additionally, Ellzey is a member of the Committee on Small Business, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure and chairs the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains. His leadership in these areas suggests a commitment to addressing the needs of small businesses and rural communities in Texas and beyond.

Ellzey is affiliated with several caucuses that reflect his political interests and priorities. He is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership, the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans, and the Congressional Western Caucus. These memberships indicate his engagement with issues relevant to his constituents and his alignment with specific political and economic interests.

In terms of specific policy positions, Ellzey has expressed skepticism regarding the Texas Central Railway project, labeling it as a financial misadventure. He has also been supportive of Israel, voting to provide assistance following attacks in 2023. However, he opposed the PACT Act, which aimed to expand benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. Additionally, he has co-sponsored legislation recognizing personhood at conception, reflecting his stance on abortion-related issues.

Jake Ellzey resides near Midlothian, Texas, with his wife, Shelby, and their two children. His background as a veteran, pilot, and public servant informs his approach to governance and legislative priorities as he continues to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. His current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027.