# Senfronia Thompson: Texas' Historic Speaker Bid

> Houston lawmaker Senfronia Thompson, 87, could become Texas' first female and Black speaker in 2026 after Democrats gain House control.
- Title: Senfronia Thompson: Texas' Historic Speaker Bid | Shortify
- Summary: Houston lawmaker Senfronia Thompson, 87, could become Texas' first female and Black speaker in 2026 after Democrats gain House control. Texas House Rep.
- Keywords: senfronia thompson, texas house, democrats, speaker, house district 141, hate crimes bill, human trafficking, civil rights, black lawmaker, longest-serving woman, Houstonchronicle
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/politics/election/2026/article/senfronia-thompson-what-to-know-22516275.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: senfronia thompson, texas house, democrats, speaker, house district 141, hate crimes bill, human trafficking, civil rights, black lawmaker, longest-serving woman, news, local
## Who is Senfronia Thompson
Texas House Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, is 87 years old and the dean of the Texas House of Representatives.
## Her historic bid
Thompson is campaigning to become speaker after Democrats gained control of the Texas House in the 2026 midterms.
## Why it matters
If elected, Thompson would be Texas' first woman and Black speaker in the House of Representatives.
## Her career
Thompson has spent more than five decades in the Texas House of Representatives, becoming one of the chamber's most experienced lawmakers.
## Her legislative work
She authored the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act and legislation on civil rights, human trafficking, and racial profiling.
## Her influence
Thompson has built bipartisan relationships with lawmakers across the political spectrum.
## Her role in 2025
Thompson helped ease tensions during the 2025 legislative session after a contentious day on the House floor.
## Her portrait
Thompson's portrait was unveiled at the Texas Capitol in 2025, highlighting her role as the longest-serving woman and Black lawmaker.
## Her 2026 campaign
Thompson is running against Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. of Eagle Pass for the speaker position in January 2026.
## Her legacy
Thompson has been a key figure in Texas politics for over 50 years, serving as the longest-serving woman and Black lawmaker in state history.
## What happens next
If Thompson wins the speaker race, she will become Texas' first female and Black speaker in the House of Representatives.
## Key takeaway

Texas House Rep. Senfronia Thompson, 87, may become the state's first woman and Black speaker if Democrats win control of the Texas House in January 2026.