State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, a Houston Democrat, says she has the votes to become the next speaker of the Texas House. If elected, she would be the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to lead the chamber. Thompson made the announcement at a Capitol news conference on Friday, where House Democrats cheered as she spoke. She said a “majority of the House” has pledged to support her after Democrats won a House majority in Tuesday's election.
The formal vote will take place when the Legislature convenes on Jan. 12. Winning the gavel requires 76 votes in the 150-member chamber. Thompson has served in the House since 1973. Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat, said her experience and ability to earn respect across party lines make her well suited to lead. U.S. Rep. Al Green, a Houston Democrat, also praised her service.
The speaker presides over floor debates, assigns bills to committees and appoints committee leaders. Thompson said she would not follow a rule that keeps lawmakers from the minority party from serving as committee chairs. “I'm not here to punish anybody,” she said.