Representative Tyrone Ellis (D-Starkville) has officially announced his retirement from public office after 38 years of service in the Mississippi House of Representatives.
The nearly four decade veteran made that announcement Friday.
“I have truly considered myself blessed and privileged to have served the citizens of District 38, as well as the citizens of Mississippi as a whole over the years,” said Ellis. “However, the time has come to close this chapter of my life and allow God to utilize me in another capacity.”
Throughout his career, the veteran lawmaker both witnessed and made history. In 2008, Ellis was selected by the Democratic leadership to serve as the first Majority Leader of the Mississippi House of Representatives.
Following the majority leadership, Ellis was a member of the committees on Corrections, Judiciary B, Ways and Means, Apportionment and Elections, and Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency.
“Representative Ellis is a wonderful friend and an outstanding leader,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn. “His hard work in the House will be missed, and I wish him well in his retirement.”
Ellis, though retiring from the legislature, will continue his career as a pastor at Running Water Baptist Church in Noxubee county.
Governor Phil Bryant will determine when a special election for House District 38 will be held at a later date.
