State Rep. Borris Miles nominated to represent Houston in state Senate

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A new person will represent the city of Houston in the state senate, and he's a familiar face taking over a new job. State Rep. Borris Miles is moving to the Senate as the Democratic nominee to replace Rodney Ellis.

Democratic precinct chairs had to choose Ellis in an unusual contest that unfolded in less than a month.

Miles received 49 votes Saturday, Rep. Senfronia Thompson received 30, and former city controller Ron Green received four votes. Thompson said she plans to work with Miles in the legislature because she will be keeping her seat in the house, and she is proud of her campaign.

"I had committed myself to work hard and secure as much support as I possibly could. That being his part of town, you know that you have an uphill battle going against someone who is already representing a large segment of that area," she explained.

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With no Republican opponent on the ballot, Miles is on track to win the seat and is already looking ahead to the legislative session.

"I want to make sure we balance the budget, not on the backs of poor folk and children and the elderly. One of the biggest things for me will be criminal justice reform," he explained.

This contest is part of a domino effect to local races because now there will have to be a similar replacement process for Miles' seat in District 146. That replacement has to be selected before August 29.