Friday Ellis
| Oliver Friday Ellis, Jr. | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office July 21, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Jamie Mayo |
|---|---|
| Born | February 1977 Place of birth missing |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican-turned-Independent |
| Spouse(s) | Ashley Rene Ellis |
| Children | At least four children Parents: |
| Residence | Monroe, Louisiana |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Religion | |
Oliver Friday Ellis, Jr., known as Friday Ellis (born February 1977), is the mayor of Monroe, Louisiana, a Republican-turned-Independent.
A businessman, Ellis won the mayoral election held on July 11, 2020, postponed from the previously scheduled April 4 because of the coronavirus pandemic. He unseated the 19-year incumbent, Jamie Mayo, an African-American Democrat who was seeking a sixth term. Ellis polled 6,835 votes (52 percent) to Mayo's 4,987 (38 percent). The remaining 10 percent of the vote was divided by three other candidates.[1]
Ellis is the son of Oliver Gus "Friday" Ellis, Sr. (1934-2008), a native of St. Joseph in Tensas Parish who is interred in Rayville in Richland Parish. The father's obituary does not mention a wife. It is unclear whether Mayor Ellis' middle name is Gus or "Friday." Mayor Ellis has three siblings, Michael Wayne Ellis and wife, Donna of Girard, also in Richland Parish; Patricia Ellis Jones of Rayville, and Angela Sanford and husband, Ronnie, of Girard.[2]The mayor is registered to vote under the name "Oliver Ellis," according to records of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. He also formerly resided in Weston, Missouri, and Barstow, California, dates not specified.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
Friday's oath was administered by his long-term friend from Start in Richland Parish, Judge Will Rhymes Barham of the Louisiana 5th Judicial District, a Republican. Ellis said that he will try to heal the division between the northern and southern portions of Monroe and represent all citizens equally. He became emotional as he spoke of his expectations for a united Monroe:
Today, we are all embarking on a new journey together – one that some of us have dreamed about, some of us believed would never take place, and some of us have never given up the hope. I share high hopes today with you, high hopes for a city that is safe, high hopes for a city that is prospering and high hopes for a city that provides the best service for all of its residents.”[3]
References
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns (Ouachita Parish), July 11, 2020.
- ↑ Oliver Gus "Friday" Ellis. findagrave.com. Retrieved on July 22, 2020.
- ↑ Ashley Mott (July 21, 2020). Friday Ellis inaugurated as new mayor of Monroe. The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved on July 22, 2020.
