Jim Ellison (Michigan politician)

For other people named James Ellison, see James Ellison (disambiguation).

Jim Ellison
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 26th district
In office January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2022
Preceded by	Jim Townsend
Succeeded by	Dylan Wegela
Mayor of Royal Oak, Michigan
In office 2003 – December 31, 2016
Preceded by	William Urich
Succeeded by	Michael Fournier
Personal details
Born	January 7, 1952 Royal Oak, Michigan
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Jodie
Children	8
Residence	Royal Oak, Michigan

Jim Ellison (born January 7, 1952)[1] is an American politician who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2017-2022.[2][3] He is a member of the Democratic Party. He now serves as Oakland County's Chief of Older Adult Services, a position introduced in 2023.[3]

Early career

Ellison started his career as a construction cost estimator with Ronnisch Construction Group and Barton Malow Company, with the latter being where he spent most of his career.[1][4][5] He also worked in business development at Royal Oak Storage.[1]

Ellison held a number of elected offices before joining the state legislature.[1][3] He was a commissioner for the City of Royal Oak from 1991-1995. He was also the longest-serving mayor of Royal Oak, Michigan, holding office from 2003-2016, when he left to join the Michigan House of Representatives.[1][3][5]

State legislature

Ellison vacated his position as mayor of Royal Oak in 2016 to take his seat in the state legislature, which he held through 2022.[3][6]

Michigan House of Representatives

Committee assignments

• Families, Children, and Seniors
• Health Policy
• Tax Policy
• Local Government[2]

Electoral history

Michigan House of Representatives District 26 Election, 2016[7]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Jim Ellison	26,785	59.37	N/A
	Republican	Randy LeVasseur	18,333	40.63	N/A
Majority					N/A
	Democratic hold		Swing

Michigan House of Representatives District 26 Election, 2018[8]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Jim Ellison	27,962	68.51	N/A
	Republican	Al Gui	12,853	31.49	N/A
Majority					N/A
	Democratic hold		Swing

Michigan House of Representatives District 26 Election, 2020[9]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Jim Ellison	33,208	63.66	N/A
	Republican	Chris Meister	18,955	36.34	N/A
Majority					N/A
	Democratic hold		Swing

Personal life

He resides in Royal Oak with his wife, Jodie, the manager of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter.[1][4][5] He has eight children - Emilie, Brian, Bradley, Sarah, Jonathan, Jacob, Madeline, and Isaac - and 16 grandchildren.[1][4][5] Ellison was the founding chairman of the Woodward Dream Cruise, and uses his free time to work on a classic 1955 Ford Centerline.[4][5] He also enjoys spending time with his dogs, cats, rabbits, pig and Canadian goose.[4][5]

References

1. "2021-2022 Michigan Manual" (PDF). Legislature.MI.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
2. "News From Rep. Ellison". 19 December 2016.
3. "Former Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison named Oakland County chief of Older Adult Services". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
4. "Oakland County Executive Names Jim Ellison New Chief of Older Adult Services". Oakland County Times. 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
5. "Former Royal Oak mayor, state rep to head county's new Older Adult Services". Daily Tribune. 2023-01-13. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
6. "Royal Oak's longest-serving mayor heads for state House". Detroit Free Press.
7. "2016 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/08/2016". mielections.us.
8. "2018 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/06/2018". mielections.us.
9. "2020 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/03/2020". mielections.us.