Harold Vernon Dutton Jr. is a Democrat representing Texas House District 142, which covers parts of Harris County including portions of Houston, Atascocita, Barrett, Humble, and Sheldon. First elected in 1984 , he is an attorney by occupation and the third longest-serving member of the Texas House. Notable positions include chairing the Subcommittee on Family & Fiduciary Relationships and serving on the Subcommittee on Academic & Career-Oriented Education ; he drew attention in May 2023 for voting with Republicans to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.B.A. and J.D. from Texas Southern University.
• Political Experience: Elected to Texas House District 142 in 1984; continuously serving since 1985 across multiple sessions up to the 89th ; based in Houston with offices in Austin and Houston.