Jake Ellzey

John Kevin "Jake" Ellzey Sr. (born January 24, 1970) is an American politician and former military officer serving as the U.S. representative for Texas's 6th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for the 10th district from January to July 2021. He served in the United States Navy as a fighter pilot, completing tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Early life and education
Ellzey was born in Amarillo, Texas, and raised in Perryton. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the United States Naval Academy in 1992. Ellzey was deployed nine times in his 20 years in the Navy before becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Career
Since retiring from the Navy, Ellzey has worked as a pilot for Southwest Airlines and as a consultant. He was also a social aide in the White House Office during the Bush administration. From 2012 to 2018, he was one of five commissioners of the Texas Veterans Commission.

In 2018, Ellzey was an unsuccessful candidate for Texas's 6th congressional district. During his campaign, he was endorsed by The Dallas Morning News. He placed second in the Republican primary, behind Ron Wright, who won the general election.

Ellzey was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2020. He took office on January 12, 2021. He resigned in July 2021 to take his seat in Congress. Governor Greg Abbott set August 31, 2021, as the special election date for the Texas State House of Representatives District 10 seat that Ellzey vacated. Republican Brian Harrison won the seat, defeating the representative who previously held the seat, John Wray.

2021 special
On February 26, 2021, Ellzey announced his candidacy in Texas's 6th congressional district special election to replace Ron Wright, who died in office on February 7. In the 23-candidate nonpartisan blanket primary, Ellzey finished second to Wright's widow Susan, who had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and 354 votes ahead of Democrat Jana Sanchez. On May 2, Sanchez conceded to Ellzey. Governor Greg Abbott set July 27 as the special election runoff date. Ellzey defeated Wright in the runoff, 53% to 47%. He was sworn in on July 30, 2021.

Committee assignments

 * Committee on Appropriations
 * Committee on Small Business

Caucus memberships

 * Republican Main Street Partnership

Political positions
Ellzey voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

2020
Election results:

Personal life
Ellzey and his wife Shelby have two children. They live near Midlothian, Texas.