State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, who has served in the Texas Legislature since 1973, is seeking to become the first Black person and first woman elected speaker of the Texas House.

After more than five decades in the Texas Legislature, Houston Rep. Senfronia Thompson is poised to make history once again. 

The 87-year-old Democrat has announced her candidacy for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives following the party’s stunning victory in the Nov. 3 election, which gave Democrats control of the chamber for the first time in more than two decades.

If elected by her colleagues when the Legislature convenes in January, Thompson would become the first Black person and first woman to serve as speaker in Texas history.

After more than five decades in the Texas Legislature, Houston Democrat Senfronia Thompson is seeking to become the first Black woman to lead the Texas House. Credit: Getty Images

Known affectionately as “Ms. T,” Thompson has represented northeast Houston’s District 141 since 1973. She is the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history and has earned widespread respect from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.

“After more than five decades serving in this chamber, I am proud to announce my candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House,” Thompson said in announcing her bid.

“This is an opportunity to turn the page, bring people together, and get to work
for every Texas family.”

rep. Senfronia Thompson

Her candidacy comes amid a historic political shift in Texas. Democrats reclaimed the House majority while Gina Hinojosa defeated Gov. Greg Abbott and Vikki Goodwin won the lieutenant governor’s race.

Thompson has already secured support from several Democratic colleagues, including House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu. Houston Mayor John Whitmire has also publicly endorsed her candidacy.

Senfronia Thompson has spent 53 years in the Texas Legislature, serving since 1973 and becoming the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history. Courtesy: Senfronia Thompson

Throughout her legislative career, Thompson has championed civil rights, education, women’s rights, and criminal justice reform. Her work has included efforts to address racial profiling, increase the minimum wage, and expand legal protections for Texas families.

The House speaker holds one of the state’s most powerful political positions, overseeing legislative proceedings, appointing committee leadership, and influencing which bills advance through the chamber.

For Thompson, the opportunity represents both a personal milestone and a historic moment for Texas.

“This is an opportunity to turn the page, bring people together, and get to work for every Texas family,” she said.

With Democrats preparing to take control of the House in January, Thompson’s bid could place a Black woman from Houston in one of the most influential positions in Texas government for the first time.

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