First elected in 1972, she is the longest-serving woman and the longest-serving African American in Texas Legislature history.
Known as the "Dean of the Texas House," she has authored major anti-human-trafficking and domestic violence protection laws.
Thompson’s take on Texas values
In 2021 she joined the Texas House Democratic walkout that blocked a bill adding new voting restrictions, saying Republicans were stripping away her constituents' right to vote. [Ballotpedia; campaign website]