State Representative Senfronia Thompson launched her campaign to become the next speaker of the Texas House, announcing she has secured the necessary majority support to lead the chamber.
Thompson Bids for House Leadership
Thompson entered the Legislature in 1973 and currently stands as both the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving African American lawmaker in Texas history. When she was first elected in 1972, the Voting Rights Act was barely seven years old, and she was one of only two Black women in the lower chamber.
Known as “Ms. T” around the Capitol and in her Houston district, Thompson is a Houston Democrat who began serving when Jim Crow was alive and well in Texas, and in some places, in charge.
She has spoken about the racism and misogyny she was expected to endure even as a duly elected member. It took 54 years of getting elected, reelected and then reelected again and again for Thompson to reach the point of announcing she had enough votes to become speaker.
Her announcement follows a critical consolidation of Democratic support after fellow Democratic State Rep. Eddie Morales abruptly withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Thompson.
“The bottom line is that the majority of the House has pledged to me,” Thompson said.
Thompson Outlines Collaborative Goals
Throughout her announcement, Thompson framed her potential speakership around collaborative leadership rather than partisan infighting.
“I don't have a dictatorship that I'm going to tell people what to do,” Thompson said.
Drawing on decades of tenure across both majorities, Thompson emphasized that problem-solving should take precedence over party affiliation.
Thompson also addressed the ownership of the chamber’s symbol of authority.
Lawmakers Weigh Female Trio
Last week’s historic election swept in new governor Gina Hinojosa, the first female lieutenant governor, Vikki Goodwin, and enough Democrats to secure House speaker naming rights. If Thompson’s coalition holds, Texas will have its first all-female “Big Three” comprising the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker.
Thompson announced her majority support at a news conference on Friday, November 6, 2026, but the formal speaker election was due to take place when the Legislature convened on January 12, 2027.
If these 3 items were the only items on the Special Session agenda, I would return to the Capitol. Unfortunately, the Gov chose to add divisive issues which will be harmful to many people. I can’t abide by the Gov’s order. I will not be returning to the House floor this morning.
With Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa and Lieutenant Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin preparing to take office alongside a Thompson speakership, the state could witness an unprecedented female leadership trio leading the Lone Star State into a new political era.