Laura Thompson is a former independent member of the Texas House of Representatives. She represented District 120 after winning a special election on August 2, 2016, after former state representative Ruth McClendon retired.[1] In the November 2016 general election, she ran for election to a full term but was defeated by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins. Thompson's brief tenure in the Texas House ended on January 9, 2017. Thompson was the first independent to serve in the Texas Legislature in over fifty years.[2][3]
Laura Thompson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 120th district | |
| In office August 2, 2016 – January 9, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Ruth McClendon |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Gervin-Hawkins |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Independent |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Freelance writer |
In October 2016, Democratic Party officials in Bexar County unsuccessfully sued to remove Thompson's name from the ballot in the November 2016 election, claiming that her nomination papers lacked enough valid signatures.[4]
References
edit- ^ Gonzalez, John W. (August 2, 2016). "Independent Thompson captures District 120 seat". San Antonio Express-News. San Antonio, Texas.
- ^ Garcia, Gilbert (May 12, 2016). "Thompson declares her independence in District 120". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ Conway, Madeline; Pattani, Aneri (August 4, 2016). "An Independent in the Texas Legislature? Not for Long". Texas Tribune. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
- ^ Rauf, David Saleh (October 6, 2016). "Bexar County Dems' bid to remove incumbent from ballot fails". San Antonio Express-News. San Antonio, Texas.