State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, a Houston Democrat, said on Nov. 6 that she has the votes to become Texas House speaker. She spoke at a news conference at the Texas Capitol, flanked by dozens of Democratic lawmakers and legislators-elect. Reps. Drew Darby, Charlie Geren and Todd Hunter, all Republicans, also attended. Thompson said the majority of the House has pledged to support her.
House members will elect the next speaker on Jan. 12, the first day of the 90th legislative session. A candidate needs 76 of the chamber's 150 votes. As of Nov. 6, Associated Press results projected Democrats would win 79 House seats and Republicans 63, with eight races too close to call. About two hours after the news conference, Thompson released a list of 90 House members who she said pledged support.
Thompson, 87, was first elected to the Legislature in 1972. If chosen, she would be the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker. Her bid comes after Democrats won Texas' statewide offices on Nov. 3. Gina Hinojosa of Austin was elected governor and Vikki Goodwin of Houston was elected lieutenant governor, which would make the top three state officials all women.
The current speaker, Republican Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, has served one term. Thompson said she would appoint committee leaders from both parties, saying, "we've got to have expertise on both sides."