AUSTIN, Texas – Veteran State Representative Senfronia Thompson has officially kicked off her campaign to become the next Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. In her announcement, she stated that she has already garnered the required majority support to lead the chamber in the upcoming legislative session.
Thompson, a Democrat from Houston, has been a member of the Legislature since 1973, making her the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving African American lawmaker in Texas history. Her candidacy gained momentum following the withdrawal of fellow Democratic State Representative Eddie Morales, who endorsed Thompson.
“The bottom line is that the majority of the House has pledged to me,” Thompson declared during a well-attended event at the Texas Capitol. To secure the position and succeed Speaker Dustin Burrows, a candidate must obtain at least 76 votes in the 150-member chamber during the scheduled vote on January 3. If elected, Thompson would make history as the first Black woman to hold the Speaker’s role.
A Vision of Collaborative Governance
Throughout her announcement, Thompson emphasized her vision for the speakership as one of collaborative leadership, prioritizing effective governance over partisan disputes. “I don’t have a dictatorship that I’m going to tell people what to do,” she said. “I have my own ideas, and I expect members to represent their districts, to work hard, and to deliver on the promises we made to the people.”
With decades of experience working under both Democratic and Republican administrations, Thompson highlighted the importance of focusing on solutions rather than party lines. “When we work on issues, you don’t look at whether you’re working with a Republican or a Democrat. Can we find a solution that will benefit the people of Texas?” she explained.
Thompson also issued a strong critique of the legislative gridlock that often hampers progress. “The gavel doesn’t belong to me. It doesn’t belong to the Republicans or the Democrats. It belongs to the people of Texas,” she asserted.
Support and Opposition
Thompson’s candidacy is largely backed by chamber Democrats, but she has also received endorsements from some Republicans. State Representative Pat Curry praised her as “the right thing for the state of Texas,” highlighting her reputation for fairness.
Conversely, some hardline conservative lawmakers quickly expressed their disapproval of a bipartisan approach. On social media, Republican Representatives Brent Money and Andy Hopper made it clear that they would not support a Democratic candidate for the Speaker role, with Hopper stating, “There is no situation where any Republican should even consider casting a vote for a Democrat speaker.”
Balancing Legislative Independence
In discussing her relationship with the executive branch, Thompson reaffirmed her commitment to legislative independence. “I’m not telling any one house how to run their business. My job is to work with the House,” she clarified. She emphasized that the Senate will manage its own affairs, while the Governor will provide guidance on legislative priorities. “Our job is to do the best we can for the people of this state,” she added.
Thompson concluded by reminding her colleagues of their primary responsibility: “I’m expecting them to represent their district. The people who sit up here are who they need to dance with, and not forget who brought them to the dance.”
As it stands, Thompson is the only declared candidate following Morales’ exit, but the possibility of additional contenders remains before the chamber votes on January 3.
