A Pilot’s Journey of Service and Leadership
By Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX)
My path to Capitol Hill is a continuation of my service, starting in the Navy and moving through roles at the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas House of Representatives. My experiences as a naval aviator and a Southwest Airlines pilot have deeply influenced my career, spanning from combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan to commercial flights from Dallas, Tex., to New York, and now to my role in the U.S. Congress. This unique blend of experiences has shaped my leadership, resilience, and commitment to serving the public.
My journey into politics wasn’t a predetermined path, but a natural extension of my family’s dedication to service. The belief in giving back was instilled in me from a very young age. The transition from flying missions to advocating for constituents in Texas was a significant and relatable shift for many who, like me, have chosen to continue their service in a different capacity.
Before my congressional tenure, I spent time as both a Navy pilot and an airline pilot. My time on the flight deck, whether soaring over the seas or navigating the skies for Southwest, taught me to handle pressure and make critical decisions—skills that are invaluable in the legislative arena. Being a pilot is about more than just flying airplanes. It’s about maintaining focus, accountability, and adapting to ever-changing conditions. These principles, honed through countless flight hours, now guide my approach to issues ranging from veterans’ affairs to budgetary concerns and national security policies in Congress.
Whether as a Navy squadron commander or a collaborator in Congress, I’ve always emphasized the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. In both spheres, success isn’t a solo endeavor but a result of unity and cooperation.
My bond with my former wingman and current member of Congress Mike Garcia (R-CA) is a testament to these shared values of service and solidarity. Just as wingmen trust each other in combat, Mike and I collaborate closely in Congress, leveraging our military backgrounds to foster bipartisanship and effective governance.
Reflecting on my aviation career, I recall moments that crystallized my leadership philosophy. Flying teaches you to navigate challenges swiftly and decisively, where split-second decisions avert potential crises. Such experiences instilled in me a steadfast commitment to proactive problem solving, a trait I bring to my congressional duties.
My time as a Southwest pilot further deepened my understanding of resilience and perseverance. Enduring strikes and navigating industry shifts underscored the importance of solidarity within organizations—a lesson I carry into advocating for airline industry reforms and workforce protections on Capitol Hill.
In Congress, I’m particularly proud of my work on the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). We’ve raised the funding for AIP to $4 billion and expanded eligibility under the program. The updated AIP formula now provides a larger portion of funding to general aviation and small airports, addressing critical needs in our aviation infrastructure.
Additionally, I’ve been committed to increasing aviation safety and ensuring the safety and security of our aviation infrastructure, which is essential to the nation. I’ve worked on legislation that requires all foreign aircraft repair stations to undergo at least one unannounced safety inspection each year and sets minimum qualifications for mechanics and others working on U.S.-registered aircraft at foreign repair stations. Stricter drug and alcohol testing and threat assessments for employees at foreign repair stations are now required, along with numerous improvements in aviation safety inspections and systems.
My military service, particularly as a Navy pilot and later as a commander, ingrained in me a profound respect for duty and sacrifice. Whether flying missions or leading troops, the mission always came first. These principles guide my legislative agenda to this day.
As a member of Congress, I use my past experiences as a guide, and I focus on policies that prioritize national security, veteran support, and economic development. In a political climate often marked by division, I believe that collaboration and compromise are essential for progress. Just as in flying, we must navigate turbulence together. Too often, in today’s environment, we hear that there’s no hope for the country, that progress is impossible, and that bipartisanship is a thing of the past. So when you’re told that we can’t do something, know that we can. We can do anything we set our minds to. We are the United States of America.
