Thompson Seeks Historic Texas House Speakership

Texas state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, an 87-year-old Houston Democrat who has served in the Legislature since 1973, is seeking to become speaker as Democrats prepare to take control of the House. If elected, she would be the first Black person and the first woman to hold the post. Thompson has earned support from prominent Democrats, including House Democratic leader Gene Wu and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and her backers say her long experience and relationships across party lines make her a strong candidate. The contest is not settled: Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. has also announced a bid, and the speaker will need 76 votes when the House convenes in January. The speaker wields substantial influence over House proceedings, committee assignments and which legislation advances.