Amarillo Native Sworn Into Congress

Ellzey (center) takes the oath of office in the U.S. House of Representatives/Screenshot from C-SPAN Broadcast

Republican Jake Ellzey was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, becoming the newest Congressman for Texas’ 6th Congressional District.

Ellzey, a native of Amarillo and the Panhandle, was sworn into office on Friday, replacing the late Rep. Ron Wright, who passed away earlier this year. Ellzey defeated Wright’s wife, Susan, to claim the seat in a special election that concluded on Tuesday.

With his swearing in, Ellzey has kept the Republican minority in Congress stable, with Democrats currently holding a slim eight-seat advantage in the House.

Ellzey will hold the seat until the conclusion of the general election to select the next representative for the 6th District next November.