Rodney Ellis selected as new Harris Co. commissioner

HARRIS COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- This morning, Harris County officials selected a permanent replacement for the late El Franco Lee, who passed away earlier this year.

Rodney Ellis is now the permanent Harris County Precinct 1 commissioner. Gene Locke had been filling the role temporarily.

Ellis beat out Locke for the job with a 78-36 vote.

El Franco Lee died of a heart attack in January at the age of 66.

Ellis has a long history of public service. He was elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. Before his time as a state lawmaker, Ellis served three terms on the Houston city council, and was chief of staff to the late U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland. He earned a bachelor's degree from TSU and a masters from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.