Houston lawmaker says she has votes to become first woman, first Black Texas House speaker – Longview News-Journal

Houston lawmaker says she has votes to become first woman, first Black Texas House speaker  Longview News-Journal

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving Black legislator in any state, said Friday that she has enough votes to win the Texas House speaker’s gavel when […] You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience. State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving Black legislator in any state, said Friday that she has enough votes to win the Texas House speaker’s gavel when the Legislature convenes in January. Her announcement came hours after state Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., a centrist Democrat from Eagle Pass and Thompson’s only other competitor for the post, dropped his bid and endorsed her.

Thompson did not release a list of supporters or say how many members she has in her corner. State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, described her majority as “overwhelming” and increasing “every minute,” with every Democratic member and a growing number of Republican supporters behind her. “The bottom line is, the majority of the House has pledged to me,” Thompson said at a news conference at the Capitol, flanked by a crowd of legislators that included a handful of Republicans. If elected, the Houston Democrat, 87, would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker. Thompson’s bid for the