Harris County Judge Ed Emmett swore in longtime governmental counsel Gene Locke as the new Precinct 1 commissioner Jan. 22, filling the position formerly held by El Franco Lee.

Lee, who served more than 30 years in office, died suddenly of a heart attack Jan. 3.

“My first goal [was] to find a person who knew Commissioner Lee and his family so that El Franco’s priorities would be continued,” Emmett said. “Secondly, I hoped to find someone who understands the workings of Harris County government. Gene Locke meets both criteria very well.”

Locke, a partner at the Andrews Kurth law firm in Houston, is a former Houston city attorney and mayoral candidate. The 68-year-old will serve as commissioner of Precinct 1—which includes the Harris County portion of Friendswood—through Dec. 31. Locke said he does not intend to run for election after the term expires.

A longtime friend of Lee, Locke has a history of activism and public service, officials said. In addition to providing counsel for the Harris County Houston Sports Authority and the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Locke represented Commissioners Court during recent redistricting efforts.

“This precinct belongs to El Franco Lee,” Locke said. “Anything I do for the next 11 months belongs to his legacy.”