State Rep. Senfronia Thompson announced Tuesday night that she is seeking the speakership of the Texas House of Representatives, just days before the chamber officially flipped to Democratic control. Thompson, the longest‑serving Democrat in the House and affectionately known as “Ms. T,” says she already has the backing of as many as 65 members, according to a Republican source who was contacted about the vote‑whipping effort.
Republican support and coalition talks
The same source indicated that at least five Republicans have pledged to support Thompson. Two GOP staffers also confirmed that a group of Republican House members held a Zoom meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the possibility of backing a Democrat in order to forge a power‑sharing coalition.
Rep. J.M. Lozano, a former Republican who switched parties in 2012, praised Thompson in an interview, saying, “We need someone like that to get us through this tumultuous chapter to heal.”
Morales enters the race
State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., a Democrat from Eagle Pass, announced his candidacy Thursday afternoon. In his statement, Morales pledged that every member’s district would have a voice under his leadership, emphasizing the need to “hit the ground running” on Texas’s critical challenges.
Some Democrats believe Morales could be competitive because border‑region legislators often adopt a more moderate stance that may appeal to Republicans seeking a coalition partner.
Numbers and logistics
The Texas House requires 76 votes to secure the gavel. If a candidate can reach that threshold before the session begins on Jan. 12, they could be elected before the Legislature formally convenes. Thompson has scheduled a press conference for 2 p.m. Friday to outline her vision for the chamber.
Democrats are projected to hold an 83‑67 or 84‑66 majority. Should a challenger pull 20 Democratic votes away from Thompson, the candidate would need to combine those with at least 56 Republican votes to reach the magic number.
Historical context
Thompson first won election to the House in 1972, making her the longest‑serving woman and Black lawmaker in Texas history. If she were to become speaker, the state’s “Big Three” – Governor Gina Hinojosa, Lt. Gov. Vikki Goodwin, and Speaker Thompson – would all be women of different ethnic backgrounds, a first for Texas.
Her longevity mirrors the path of Rep. Tom Craddick, a Republican who became speaker in 2002 after serving as the longest‑tenured member of his caucus.
Potential challenges
Thompson will be 88 before the next session begins, and some staffers note that the demanding schedule of a speaker – long hours, extensive travel, and constant fundraising – could be a liability. Democrats will need to weigh her experience against the physical demands of the role as they prepare for the 2028 elections.
Republican Rep. Brent Money (R‑Greenville) made clear his opposition, posting on X, “There is no scenario in which I will vote for a Democrat Speaker.” He added that he will work with fellow Republicans to ensure a “safe, free, and prosperous” Texas for future generations.
Looking ahead
The House Democratic Caucus met recently to discuss strategy, and about 25 members of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus gathered Wednesday night to outline the qualities they want in a speaker, though no specific candidate was named.
As the new majority prepares to assume control, the central question remains whether the next speaker will honor the bipartisan traditions that pre‑date 2025 or pursue a more partisan agenda that could further polarize the chamber.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
