July 22, 2025 – By Editor
Rep. Senfronia Thompson stands as one of the most influential and longest-serving members of the Texas House of Representatives. She represents District 141, which includes parts of northeast Houston and Humble, and has been a trailblazer in Texas politics since first taking office in 1972.
Now serving her 50th year in the Legislature, Thompson holds the distinction of being the longest-serving woman and African American in Texas legislative history.
A member of the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, Thompson plays a key role in the critical process of redrawing the state’s political boundaries. Her decades of leadership and unwavering advocacy for justice, equality, and fair representation continue to shape Texas policy and inspire future generations.
Early Life and Education
Born January 1, 1939, in Booth, Texas, Senfronia Thompson was raised in Houston. She pursued higher education with a focus on science and law, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas Southern University, a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University, a Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and a Master of Laws in International Law from the University of Houston.
This extensive educational background has equipped her with a unique blend of scientific, educational, and legal expertise that she has applied throughout her public service career.
In 1977, she used her own personal funds to convince the U. S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the discriminatory funding practice against Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University.
As a result of Thompson’s tenacity, both universities received, and continue to receive, extra federal and state funding. A former public school teacher, Thompson submitted an amicus curiae brief that was favorably cited by the Texas Supreme Court when they declared Texas’ old public school finance system unconstitutional.
Legislative Career and Achievements
Rep. Thompson’s tenure in the Texas Legislature spans five decades, making her the longest-serving African American woman in Texas legislative history. During this time, she has been a relentless advocate for justice, equality, and social progress.
Among her notable legislative accomplishments is the authorship of the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act, the Sexual Assault Program Fund, the Contraceptive Parity law, the state’s minimum wage law, laws creating drug courts, Texas’ first-ever alimony law and Texas’ first-ever smoking ban bill, prohibiting smoking in elevators, theaters, libraries, museums, hospitals and buses.
Her advocacy extends to women’s rights, criminal justice reform, and public education, areas in which she has consistently worked to improve opportunities and protections for Texas residents. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014, reflecting her impact and dedication.
In 2011, Rep. Thompson received the Patient Care Champion Care Award from the Harris County Medical Society, the Legislator of the Year Award from the Texas Family Law Foundation, a Friend of County Government Award from the Texas Association of Counties and was named one of the most outstanding legislators by Capitol Inside’s first All-Decade Team for 2000s and one of the Top 10 Best Legislators by Capitol Inside and Texas Tribune, two popular online political subscriptions.
Among many other honors, Rep. Thompson is the only recipient of the Rosa Parks Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and also received the Matt Garcia Award from the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus.
Representative Senfronia Thompson was also selected as an Eleanor Roosevelt Fellow by the Center for Public Policy Alternatives.
Role on the Select Committee on Redistricting
In the current special legislative session, Rep. Thompson serves as a member of the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting. This committee holds the vital responsibility of reviewing and proposing new boundaries for congressional districts across Texas—a process that will shape the state’s political landscape for the coming decade.
Given her extensive experience and deep understanding of Texas communities, Thompson’s participation is crucial in ensuring the redistricting process is conducted fairly and with respect for the state’s diverse population. Her commitment to justice and representation underscores her approach to this challenging task.
Conclusion
As Texas navigates complex political and demographic changes, leaders like Rep. Senfronia Thompson provide steady guidance rooted in experience, integrity, and a profound commitment to equality. Her work on the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting is just the latest chapter in a remarkable career devoted to representing and uplifting the people of Texas.
Source: Texas House of Representatives / Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting / Texas Woman’s University
