H-Town Ledger
Houston & Harris County, Texas · Friday, Nov 6, 2026
Houston's ledger: every tax dollar, vote, donor and deal. Schools first, just the facts.
 

Ben Reyes, first Latino Houston City Council member, dies

Ben Reyes, the first Latino Houston City Council member and former Texas State Representative, died on November 6, 2026. Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis released a statement describing Reyes as a pioneering figure in Houston's Latino community who opened doors to political power and economic opportunity.

When it happened
November 6, 2026
Where
Houston
First reported by an outlet
Nov 6, 2026 at 5:29 pm
Confirmed by
the original record or a trusted outlet
First reported Nov 6, 2026 · added to this site Nov 6, 2026 at 5:30 pm

Taxes & money

None stated in sources.

Who's involved

  • Ben Reyes · First Latino Houston City Council member and former Texas State Representative[1]
  • Rodney Ellis · Harris County Commissioner[1]

The facts

  1. Ben Reyes was the first Latino Houston City Council member and former Texas State Representative.[1]
  2. Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis described Reyes as a towering figure in Houston's Latino community who helped open doors to political power and economic opportunity for people too often excluded from both.[1]

Who said what

  • Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis Reyes inspired generations to see a place for themselves in shaping Houston's future; his story carries both difficult chapters and lasting contributions to Houston.[1]

Sources

  1. Official record Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Statement on the Passing of Ben Reyes Harris County Precinct 1 press releases · Nov 6, 2026

Written by AI from the sources above, under fixed rules: every fact is cited, claims are kept apart from facts, and dollar figures appear only when a source states them. Mistakes get corrected in public.

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