For generations, my family has called this land home!
As your County Commissioner, I remain committed to protecting our rights, and ensuring responsible growth.
Who is Commissioner Louis Ponder?
Louis Ponder is the Ellis County Commissioner for Precinct 3, proudly serving the residents of one of Texas’s fastest-growing counties. A lifelong Ellis County resident with family roots dating back to the 1890s, Louis grew up in the area, fishing and hunting on family land, participating in Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts, and playing football in junior high and high school.
He and his wife Kathy have been married for over 46 years and raised two daughters in Ellis County. Louis is a proud resident of Midlothian and remains deeply connected to the down-home values and tight-knit communities that define Precinct 3.
Public Service
Prior to his role on the Commissioners Court, Ponder served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4. In March 2024, he was appointed by County Judge Todd Little to fill a vacancy as Commissioner for Precinct 3. He was then elected in November 2024 and sworn into a full four-year term on January 1, 2025.
Key Achievements
Ponder is widely recognized for his strong leadership on property rights. Before joining the Commissioners Court, he spearheaded a major grassroots campaign to end forced annexation in Ellis County. He and volunteers collected more than 13,000 signatures in just months, leading to overwhelming voter approval in 2019. His efforts helped build momentum for House Bill 347, which Governor Greg Abbott signed into law, eliminating forced annexation statewide and protecting Texas landowners’ rights.
As Commissioner, Ponder continues to champion local control and responsible growth. In April 2026, he authored a unanimous Commissioners Court resolution urging the Texas Legislature to grant counties greater authority over data center development, aiming to protect infrastructure, water and power resources, and quality of life while supporting balanced economic progress.
Commitment to the Community
Dedicated to practical, common-sense governance, Louis Ponder focuses on road and bridge maintenance, fiscal responsibility, protecting rural lifestyles, and ensuring Ellis County remains a great place to raise a family and run a business. He believes strongly that decisions affecting local communities should be made with strong input from the people who live here.
Whether watching a sunset on the water or working at the courthouse, Louis approaches public service the same way he lives his life, with integrity, humility, and a deep love and devotion to his family and Ellis County.
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