State Rep. Senfronia Thompson announced Friday, November 6, that she has secured enough support from fellow lawmakers to become the next Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

If formally elected when the 90th Texas Legislature convenes in January 2027, Thompson would become the first Black lawmaker and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Texas House.

Thompson, a Democrat representing House District 141 in northeast Houston, has served in the Texas Legislature since 1973. She is the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history.

Her announcement follows the November 3 election, in which Democrats gained control of the Texas House after more than two decades of Republican leadership. The shift in chamber control has opened the way for a new Democratic speaker.

During a news conference Friday in Austin, Thompson discussed her plans to bring lawmakers from both parties together to address issues facing Texans. Her support includes members of both political parties, including three Republicans. She has also indicated her intention to appoint committee chairs from both parties.

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin praised Thompson's legislative record and expressed support for her potential leadership of the Texas House.

“Rep. Thompson is an institution in her own right. As the longest-serving Black woman in Texas legislative history, she has authored landmark legislation that supports all Texans. We will be in capable and steady hands with her as Speaker of the Texas House.

“I am deeply grateful for her work on equal pay for women and reproductive justice. She also passed legislation to protect women and children from domestic violence, extending the duration of protective orders, and making them enforceable across the entire state of Texas. That law has given survivors real protections and safety, and I have seen its impact in our work here in Harris County.

“Harris County is proud to call 'Ms. T' one of our own. I look forward to continuing our work together, along with, Governor-elect Hinojosa, Lieutenant Governor-elect Goodwin, Attorney General-elect Johnson, and leaders across our great state as we fight for Texas families.”

Kamin's statement highlighted Thompson's work on equal pay, reproductive justice and legislation addressing domestic violence protections. She also pointed to the impact of protective-order legislation in Harris County.

Thompson's announcement comes as Texas prepares for a political transition following the November 3 election. The incoming Legislature will convene January 12, 2027, when House members will formally elect their speaker.

If elected, Thompson's speakership would mark a historic milestone for Texas and place a Houston lawmaker in one of the most influential leadership positions in state government.