SENFRONIA THOMPSON SET TO BREAK BARRIERS AS FIRST WOMAN HOUSE SPEAKER AT 87

For more than five decades, Senfronia Thompson has dedicated her life to public service, becoming one of the most influential and longest-serving lawmakers in Texas history. At 87, the Houston Democrat is preparing for what could become the defining milestone of her political career: becoming the first woman and first African American to serve as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Affectionately known as “Ms. T,” Thompson was first elected to the Texas House in 1972 and has represented District 141 since 1973. Throughout her career, she has championed civil rights, women’s rights, education, workers’ protections and opportunities for underserved communities. Her legislative accomplishments include working to strengthen protections against racial profiling, expand rights for families and support victims of sexual abuse. She has also built a reputation for working across party lines and advocating for Texans whose voices are often overlooked.

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