Senfronia Thompson is a Democratic representative for Texas House District 141, covering parts of northeast Houston and Humble in Harris County. She has served since 1973, making her the longest-serving woman and African-American legislator in Texas history and current Dean of the Texas House.

Born Senfronia Paige Thompson on January 1, 1939, in Booth, Texas, and raised in Houston, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. A former public school teacher and attorney, Thompson was first elected to the Texas House in 1972 and has won 25 terms, entering her 52nd year of service as of 2025. She holds the title of Dean of the House, sharing it with the longest-serving male member, and advises the United Negro College Fund in Texas. In June 2025, a portrait of her by artist Kermit Oliver was announced for display in the Texas Capitol. Known as the "conscience of the Texas House," she has championed reforms for women, children, the elderly, and civil rights.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas Southern University; Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University; JD from Thurgood Marshall School of Law; Master of Laws in International Law from the University of Houston.
• Political Experience: Elected to Texas House District 141 since 1972; current committees include Licensing & Administrative Procedures and State Affairs; former roles include Chair of Public Health Committee, Co-Chair of House Human Trafficking Committee, and member of Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence, Redistricting, and others. Previously taught at Crispus Attucks Junior High School.

Notable Achievements: Authored landmark laws including the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act, Texas puppy mill ban, Michael Morton Act , Chief Justice Jack Pope Act , alimony law, minimum wage law, domestic violence protections, racial profiling ban, HPV testing mandate, and human trafficking measures. She successfully advocated for funding equity at HBCUs like Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University, and her amicus brief helped declare Texas's old school finance system unconstitutional.