State Rep. Eddie Morales Backs Fellow State Rep. Senfronia Thompson for Texas House Speaker After Ending His Bid

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

State Representative Eddie Morales Jr. of Eagle Pass backed State Representative Senfronia Thompson for Texas House speaker after ending his own brief campaign for the position, joining a coalition supporting the longtime Houston lawmaker ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

Morales announced his candidacy November 5 but withdrew and endorsed Thompson November 6. His decision followed discussions with Thompson and her team about the needs of rural and border communities.

In announcing his support, Morales expressed confidence that those communities would have a voice under her leadership. His statement identified water, infrastructure, healthcare and public education among the issues facing the border region.

Thompson announced November 6 that she had secured sufficient backing to become speaker and released a list of 90 supporters, including eight Republicans. Those commitments represented pledged support ahead of the formal election when House members convene January 12, 2027.

The Houston Democrat brought more than five decades of legislative experience to her bid. First elected in 1972, Thompson began serving in January 1973 and had spent nearly 54 years in the Texas House. She represents District 141, which includes northeast Houston and Humble.

Her tenure made her the longest-serving woman and Black lawmaker in Texas legislative history. She would become the first woman and first Black representative elected speaker of the Texas House if her campaign succeeds.

Thompson emphasized cooperation between Democrats and Republicans during her announcement and said she intended to appoint committee chairs from both parties. The speaker plays a central role in the House through committee appointments, management of floor proceedings and influence over the movement of legislation.

Other names surfaced during the early discussions. State Representative Joe Moody of El Paso was mentioned as a possible contender before endorsing Thompson November 5. State Representative Oscar Longoria of Mission was also involved in preliminary conversations, although the reporting reviewed did not establish an announced candidacy.

For Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Morales’s endorsement connected the local delegation to Thompson’s proposed leadership coalition. Whether that support produces additional influence over funding and legislation will become clearer as committee assignments and the next state budget take shape.

Thompson’s announced backing positioned her strongly ahead of the session, but the speakership will be decided by the House’s formal vote in January.