2 candidates running for House District 10

WAXAHACHIE – Retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and current airline pilot, Jake Ellzey and 4th-generation Ellis County resident Ryan Pitts announced they will run for Texas State House in District 10.

Incumbent Rep. John Wray announced his retirement last week and stated he would not seek re-election.

A successful local businessman, Ellzey is well-liked in the district having won Ellis County with 62-percent of the vote in the Republican Primary Runoff last year.

Ellzey served as a Navy fighter pilot and completed his service as the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier.

In his 20 years of service, Ellzey spent more than four years of it at sea including five combat tours by air and one by ground with Seal Team 5.

He served over Afghanistan and Iraq and also helped in America’s tsunami relief efforts.

“I am proud to have the chance to ask the people of this district to support me again.

“This is an exciting time to serve Texas,” said Ellzey. “So much will be at stake in 2020.”

Ellzey’s priorities are improving Texas education, keeping the Texas economy strong, lowering property taxes, standing up for our veterans, advancing the 2nd Amendment, defending the right to life, and protecting our private property against the threat high-speed rail.

Ellzey is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and was valedictorian of Perryton High School. He decided to become a fighter pilot when, at age 7, his dad took him on a ride in a Cessna 172 aircraft.

Jake and his wife Shelby have two children, McCall and Jack. Jake met Shelby at the Fort Worth Air Show, when he was doing a static display of the F/A 18 Hornet. Her family was attending and had talked Shelby into going.

Ellzey served Texas as Commissioner on the Texas Veterans Commission.

Republican and 4th-generation Ellis County resident Ryan Pitts announced his candidacy for Texas House District 10.

Pitts is the son of former state Representative Jim Pitts.

He holds an undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

He and his wife Faith Anne are the proud parents of an infant daughter, Evelyn.

“Growing up in Waxahachie, and watching as my father served, my childhood was steeped in the values of our community and a focus on our families. I’m running to ensure sure our voice is heard in Austin, and that our state government is focused on making our lives better,” said Pitts.

“As a new father, nothing is more important to me than the future that we’re creating for our next generation. As our state representative, I’ll be a voice for our families – working for stronger schools, safer communities, a more robust infrastructure and a business environment that nurtures growth and opportunity.

“These are the issues that truly impact our quality of life, and our future,” said Pitts.

Pitts serves as the Executive Vice President of family-owned Ellis County Title Company, and was selected to the list of Ellis County’s “40 under 40” Business Professionals.

He also serves as the Vice President of the Waxahachie Foundation, and also serves on the WISD Community Education Advisory Board, as well as the Texas Land Title Association legislative committee and the Waxahachie Family YMCA Board of Management.

Ellis County has 92-percent of the population in the State House District 10 and includes all of Ellis County and part of Henderson County.