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Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, joined by his woman Shelby, left, center, and their children, are seen aft his wearing-in ceremony, astatine the Capitol successful Washington, Friday, July 30, 2021. Ellzey won a peculiar predetermination successful Texas's 6th legislature territory which represents 3 counties conscionable southbound of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON – Texas Republican Jake Ellzey was sworn successful to the House connected Friday, days aft winning a peculiar predetermination successful which helium defeated his predecessor's widow, who was backed by erstwhile President Donald Trump.

Trump continues to clasp tremendous sway implicit the GOP and has sought to marque himself a kingmaker since losing the 2020 statesmanlike election. Yet Ellzey’s come-from-behind triumph Tuesday implicit Republican Susan Wright, widow of Rep. Ron Wright, suggests determination whitethorn beryllium limits to his power — peculiarly successful the suburbs.

“I judge America is exceptional. I emotion my country. It’s an grant to serve,” Ellzey said from the House level aft taking an oath of bureau administered by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Ellzey thanked his household and pledged to correspond the 6th Congressional District with “quiet professionalism.” He besides held a infinitesimal of soundlessness for Ron Wright, 67, who died successful February conscionable weeks into his 2nd term. Wright was diagnosed with COVID—19 and had lung cancer. Susan Wright was besides diagnosed with COVID-19 and astatine 1 constituent was hospitalized with her husband.

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Ellzey's triumph successful the peculiar predetermination runoff was a astonishment to many. He was a Republican authorities legislator, finished 2nd to Susan Wright successful May and lone narrowly made the runoff implicit a Democrat.

Trump endorsed Wright and recorded a robocall for her. Make America Great Action, a governmental enactment committee chaired by erstwhile Trump run manager Corey Lewandowski, plunged $100,000 into an advertisement bargain implicit the weekend, successful an effort to seal her victory.

Ellzey narrowly mislaid the GOP information for the spot successful 2018. The North Texas territory adjacent Dallas has agelong been Republican territory. But Trump’s enactment successful the territory has besides plummeted: aft winning it by double-digits successful 2016, helium carried it by conscionable 3 percent points past year, reflecting the inclination of Texas’ booming suburbs becoming much favorable territory for Democrats.

Ellzey did not region himself from the twice-impeached erstwhile president. He alternatively sought to flooded the deficiency of Trump’s backing by raising much wealth and touting different endorsements, including the enactment of erstwhile Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

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