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Rodney Ellis
DEMOCRAT
Rodney Ellis is running for Harris County Commissioner, District 1.
Personal background
Rodney is from Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Southern University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Rodney is married to Licia and has 4 children.
Professional background
Rodney previously worked as chief of staff to the late U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland and as law clerk to Chief Justice John C. Phillips on the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals
Political background
Rodney Ellis is a Harris County commissioner for Precinct 1 in Texas. He was first elected in 2016 and is serving his 2nd term. Rodney previously served as senator for the Texas State Senate District 13 from 1990 to 2016 where he chaired the Senate Finance, Jurisprudence, Government Organization, Intergovernmental Relations, and Open Government Committees throughout his tenure. He also served on the Houston City Council for 3 terms and was acting governor of Texas for 45 days in 1999-2000.
Economy
As a state representative, led efforts to reduce income inequality, create good-paying jobs, improve worker safety, and establish job training and apprenticeship programs.
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Transportation & Infrastructure
As of September 7, 2024, Rodney Ellis’s website did not contain information on this issue.
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Public Safety
Supports reforms aimed at reducing crime and mass incarceration, such as misdemeanor bail reform, public health strategies to reduce gun violence, targeted mental health interventions, and shelters for the homeless.
Believes in pursuing justice and righteousness, quoting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "We are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
Supports criminal justice system reform, and as commissioner, worked to pass a settlement that reformed the bail system to include automatic, no-cash pretrial release for about 85% of low-level defendants.
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Housing & Urban Development
Supports increasing access to affordable housing and tax breaks for seniors and disabled individuals to prevent them from being "priced out of their homes."
Believes in making Harris County more affordable to provide residents with a "stable foundation" for improving their lives and families.
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Public Services
Supports investing in the future by expanding access to childcare, early education, and youth enrichment programs.
Believes in providing quality and accessible public services and programs to enhance the lives of Precinct One residents and advocating for reforms that benefit all Harris County residents.
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Public Health
As of September 7, 2024, Rodney Ellis’s website did not contain information on this issue.
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