Rep. Tyrone Ellis, a Democrat from Starkville, announced his retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives this afternoon.
“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. However, the time has come to close this chapter of my life and allow God to utilize me in another capacity,” Ellis said in a statement.
Ellis was elected to the House in 1980.
He is a pastor at Running Water Baptist Church in Noxubee County.
Gov. Phil Bryant will call a special election to fill Ellis’ seat.