County Judge

Ellis County Judge John Wray 

The Ellis County Commissioners Court voted to appoint former State Representative John Wray to serve as Ellis County Judge at a special meeting on May 7th, 2025. He officially assumed office on May 15th, 2025.

Judge Wray brings extensive experience in public service and leadership to the role. He previously served on the Waxahachie City Council from 2008 to 2014 and was elected Mayor of Waxahachie in 2013. In 2015, Wray was elected to represent Texas House District 10 in the Texas House of Representatives, where he served until 2021. During his tenure, he was appointed to several key committees, including Ways & Means, Public Health, Calendars, Transportation, and Homeland Security & Public Safety.

Judge Wray’s record reflects a strong commitment to Ellis County and the State of Texas, with a focus on fiscal responsibility, community growth, and public safety.

Responsibilities

The Ellis County Judge has administrative and judicial duties which include:

• Presiding Officer of the Commissioners Court
• Chief Budget Officer
  • View FY 2026 Adopted Budget
• Director of Emergency Management

• County Administrator responsible for the supervision and management of County departments and personnel:
  • Accounts Payable
  • Behavioral Health
  • County Communications
  • County Elections
  • Department of County Development and Planning
  • Engineering
  • Human Resources
  • Indigent Health Care
  • Information Technology
  • Law Library
  • Maintenance
  • Purchasing
  • Texas AgriLife Extension Office
  • Veterans Services

Documents

• Mass Gathering Application
• Ellis County Tax Abatement Guidelines

North Central Texas Council of Governments Population Estimates

View a presentation here.

Long-Term Strategic Facilities Plan

View an overview.

2024 Master Thoroughfare Plan

View the plan here.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

View Ellis County's policy to disburse ARPA funds here.

View Ellis County's existing ARPA distribution here.