State Representative Senfronia Thompson, a Houston Democrat, announced Friday that she has secured enough support to become the first woman and first Black person to serve as Speaker of the Texas House.
Thompson, 87, told reporters at a news conference at the Capitol that she has built a bipartisan coalition of 90 members to win the speakership, well above the 76 votes required in the 150-member chamber. USA TODAY reports her potential leadership comes after Democrats flipped 21 House seats during the midterm election.
A historic shift in Texas leadership
If Thompson is elected by her colleagues when the 90th legislative session begins on Jan. 12, 2027, she will succeed Republican Dustin Burrows. Her ascent would place three women in the state’s top positions, as Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa and Lieutenant Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin are also set to take office in January 2027.
I am honored to have secured the support of this growing bipartisan coalition of 90 Members. I look forward to leading the Texas House as Speaker. #txlege pic.twitter.com/5cdjeUBJt6
CBS News notes that Hinojosa will be the first Latina governor, while Goodwin will be the first woman to serve as lieutenant governor.
The shift in power follows a Democratic sweep. While Republicans currently hold 88 seats in the House, the new session is expected to feature 83 Democrats and 67 Republicans. CBS News reports that Republicans will maintain a majority in the Texas Senate, with 18 Republicans and 13 Democrats.
Decades of legislative service
Known affectionately as “Ms. T,” Thompson is the longest-serving woman and Black lawmaker in Texas legislative history. She was first elected in 1973, a time when the Voting Rights Act was only seven years old. She currently represents House District 141 in Houston.
Thompson's career has spanned eras of major political change. When she was first elected as part of a large class of freshmen, she was one of only two Black women in the lower chamber. She has spoken about the racism and misogyny she was expected to face during her early years in office.
Bipartisan approach to the gavel
Thompson emphasized that her leadership would prioritize the needs of constituents. During her news conference, she stated, We want to make sure that this legislature doesn’t forget who brought us to the dance. We want to make sure we dance on those issues that are going to be important and impactful for them. Education, health care. You name it. There are just so many issues, and we are willing, and we’re rolling up our sleeves, and we are ready to go. We’re ready to fight.
CBS News.
She also indicated she would not use her position to exclude the opposition, telling reporters, I’m not here to punish anybody. I did that while I was a parent.
KERA.
State Representative Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi, a Republican, said the Democrats were wise to coalesce around her.
According to Dallas Democratic Rep. Rafael Anchia, Thompson is the ideal leader because of her ability to garner respect from across the aisle and her extensive experience. He noted that both parties have given her the title of “dean,” adding, The dean title is not something that is given automatically or gratuitously. KERA
According to Adams, Thompson serving as Speaker would assist governor-elect Gina Hinojosa in advancing her legislative goals within the Texas House.
Adams points out, however, that the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, presents a major obstacle, stating, When it gets to the Senate, the Senate is still in a position to provide what I would describe as a firewall so there will have to be some negotiations there. KPRC Click2Houston
The power of the Speaker
The Speaker of the Texas House is one of the three most powerful officers in the state. The position has the authority to assign committee chairs, direct legislative and budget priorities, vote on bills, and oversee the procedure and debate on the House floor. The Dallas Morning News.
The Speaker also makes House committee assignments and appoints vice chairs, which helps determine which pieces of legislation reach the floor for a vote. USA TODAY.
The path to the speaker’s chair
The formal election for Speaker will take place on Jan. 12, 2027, the first day of the 90th Texas Legislature.
Earlier coverage: Senfronia Thompson Seeks to Become First Woman Texas House Speaker