Thompson says she has the votes to become first woman and first Black Texas House speaker
Only rival Eddie Morales Jr. drops out and endorses her after Democrats won their first Texas House majority since 2003
State Rep. Senfronia Thompson said Friday she has enough votes to win the Texas House speaker's gavel when the Legislature convenes in January, a win that would make the 87-year-old Houston Democrat the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to lead the chamber. Her declaration came hours after her only remaining rival, state Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. of Eagle Pass, dropped his bid and endorsed her.