Senfronia Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Senfronia Thompson
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| Member of the Texas House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 11, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Constituency | 141st district |
| In office January 9, 1973 – January 11, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Gib Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Homer Dear |
| Constituency | 89th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1, 1939 Booth, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Texas Southern University (BS, MEd, JD) University of Houston (LL.M) |
| Profession | Attorney, educator |
Senfronia Calpernia Thompson, born on January 1, 1939, is an important leader in Texas. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 1972, she has served in the Texas House of Representatives. She represents the 141st District. This district covers parts of northeast Houston and the Humble area.
Ms. Thompson has been elected to office 25 times. This makes her one of the longest-serving lawmakers in Texas history. She also helps the United Negro College Fund in Texas. This organization supports colleges for African-American students.
About Senfronia Thompson
Early Life and Education
Senfronia Thompson was born in Booth, Texas. She grew up in Houston. She went to Texas Southern University. There, she earned a degree in biology and a master's degree in education. She also studied law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Later, she earned another law degree from the University of Houston. She has two adult children, one grandson, one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter.
Serving the People of Texas
Ms. Thompson has worked hard for the people of her district. She has written many important laws. One well-known law she helped create is the Texas puppy mill bill. This law helps protect animals by setting rules for large-scale dog breeding facilities.
She holds a special place in Texas history. She has served longer in the state legislature than any other woman. She is also the longest-serving African-American person in the Texas legislature.
In October 2020, Ms. Thompson wanted to become the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. This is a very powerful position. However, the Republican Party kept control of the House in the election that year.
In May 2021, Ms. Thompson spoke about the importance of voting rights. She shared how her own family faced challenges when trying to vote. She spoke to other lawmakers who were trying to stop a bill that would change voting rules. To prevent the bill from passing, many lawmakers, including Ms. Thompson, left the House chamber. This action stopped the vote before a midnight deadline. It showed how strongly they felt about protecting the right to vote for everyone.
