Thompson, the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving African American lawmaker in Texas history, made the announcement at a packed event at the Texas Capitol. Her bid gained momentum after fellow Democratic State Rep. Eddie Morales abruptly withdrew his own candidacy and endorsed her, consolidating support among House Democrats.

"The bottom line is that the majority of the House has pledged to me," Thompson said.

To win the gavel and succeed Speaker Dustin Burrows, a candidate must secure at least 76 votes in the 150-member chamber when lawmakers convene for the scheduled vote on January 3. If successful, Thompson would make history as the first Black woman to serve as Texas House Speaker.

Thompson framed her potential speakership as collaborative leadership focused on practical governance rather than partisan infighting, drawing on her decades of experience working under both Democratic and Republican majorities.

"I don't have a dictatorship that I'm going to tell people what to do," Thompson said. "I have my own ideas, and I expect members to have to represent their districts, to work hard, and to deliver to the people things that we promised that we were going to do."

She added: "I came in 1973. I have worked with the majority, and I have worked with the minority. I have been chairman of committees, and have been vice chairman of committees. When we work on issues, you don't look whether you're working with a Republican or Democrat. Can we get a solution that's going to benefit the people of the state of Texas?"

Thompson also delivered a pointed critique of legislative gridlock, urging colleagues to avoid petty factionalism.

"The gavel doesn't belong to me. The gavel does not belong to the Republicans nor the Democrats," she said. "The gavel belongs to the people of this state of Texas."

While Thompson's path relies heavily on chamber Democrats, she has attracted support from at least one Republican. State Rep. Pat Curry endorsed her candidacy, calling Thompson "the right thing for the state of Texas" and praising her reputation for fairness, adding, "She is a great lady."

However, hardline conservative lawmakers quickly rejected any bipartisan arrangement. On X, Republican State Reps. Brent Money and Andy Hopper voiced sharp opposition to supporting a Democrat for the chamber's top post.

"There is no situation where any Republican should even consider casting a vote for a Democrat speaker," Hopper asserted.

"There is no scenario in which I will vote for a Democrat Speaker," Money wrote.

When questioned about her relationship with the executive branch and how she intends to work alongside incoming leadership, Thompson maintained a clear boundary regarding legislative independence.

"I'm not telling any one house how to run their business. My job is to work with the House," Thompson explained. "The Senate will take care of its business, and the governor will give us a mandate on what she expects that we are able to accomplish while we're here. Our job is to be able to do the best job we can for the people of this state."

She closed by reminding colleagues where their primary allegiance lies.

"I'm expecting them to represent their district," Thompson said. "The people who sit up here is who they need to dance with, and not forget who brought them to the dance."

While Thompson currently stands as the sole declared contender following Morales' exit, additional candidates may emerge before the chamber officially casts its ballots on January 3.

The speaker's race comes as Texas Republicans continue to hold a majority in the House, but a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans could reshape leadership. Thompson's candidacy tests whether a bipartisan governing coalition can overcome partisan resistance in a chamber long defined by sharp ideological divides.

For Houston, Thompson's rise would give the state's largest city an influential voice in setting the House agenda, from property taxes and public education to energy policy and health care. Her decades-long record includes landmark legislation on domestic violence, human trafficking, and juvenile justice.

Thompson's announcement sets up a high-stakes vote in less than two months, with the outcome hinging on whether her claimed majority holds together under pressure from conservative activists and Republican leadership.