AUSTIN, Texas – State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the Dean of the Texas House, has named six former speakers of the Texas House to her transition team as she prepares to lead the chamber as its next speaker, according to a news release she posted Tuesday, Nov. 10, on her official X account.

The former speakers are Democrats Ben Barnes, Gib Lewis and Pete Laney, along with Republicans Joe Straus, Dennis Bonnen and Dade Phelan. They will advise Thompson before the 90th Texas Legislature convenes on Jan. 12, 2027, according to the release.

“Thank you to six former Speakers for agreeing to serve as my transition team as I prepare to become Speaker of the Texas House. They are all friends who understand how the House works best for the people we serve,” Thompson wrote on X.

https://x.com/Senfronia4Texas/status/2120178588666474554

Post by State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (@Senfronia4Texas) on X.

What Thompson Said

“These former Speakers know the House does its best work when Members treat each other with respect, put their districts first and take care of the people’s business,” Thompson said in the release. “I’m grateful that they’re willing to help the House get off to a good start. Not many people have held the Speaker’s gavel, and I am eager to hear ideas and advice from some who have.”

Thompson announced last week that she had secured more than enough support from a bipartisan coalition of members to become the next speaker, and she is now focused on preparing the House for the session, according to the release. Thompson has represented Harris County in the House since 1973 and represents House District 141. She would be the first Black speaker and the first woman to hold the job.

What The Former Speakers Said

Ben Barnes, speaker from 1965 to 1969, said Texas is facing serious challenges and that Thompson is the leader the moment calls for. “Over more than five decades, she has seen every kind of session, worked with Members from every corner of the state and both sides of the aisle, and learned what it takes to turn good ideas into law,” Barnes said.

Gib Lewis, speaker from 1983 to 1993, said he served with Thompson as a member when she was elected in 1973 and as speaker for 10 years. “She will bring a vast institutional knowledge to the podium with a fair hand, a necessary sense of purpose, and the judgment needed to lead this body,” Lewis said.

Pete Laney, speaker from 1993 to 2003, said he and Thompson entered the Legislature the same year. “She has the energy and enthusiasm of a freshman Member and the wisdom of the most senior Member,” Laney said.

Joe Straus, speaker from 2009 to 2019, said he was honored to help his friend. “She is committed to bringing the House together to focus on serious challenges, and I know Ms. Thompson and the House will succeed,” Straus said.

Dennis Bonnen, speaker from 2019 to 2021, said he had seen her strength, wisdom and deep love for the Texas House firsthand. Dade Phelan, speaker from 2021 to 2025, said the House works best when members put people before party. “I look forward to working alongside her to restore those traditions and to make the 90th session one that Texans can be proud of,” Phelan said.

What Happens Next

The House elects its speaker on the first day of the regular session. The 90th Legislature convenes Jan. 12, 2027. Eagle Pass Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. of House District 74 is among the members who have publicly backed Thompson for the job.

Also read: Eagle Pass Rep Eddie Morales Backs Senfronia Thompson For Texas House Speaker

Sources: State Rep. Senfronia Thompson news release posted on X, Nov. 10, 2026 | Texas House member page for Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Photo: State Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Photo from her official X account.