AUSTIN, Texas - Texas state Rep. Senfronia Thompson announced Friday that she has secured the support of a majority of House members in her bid to become the next speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, positioning the longtime lawmaker to make history as the chamber prepares for its 90th Legislative Session.

Speaking at a news conference in Austin, Thompson said she was honored by the support of her colleagues and expressed confidence in her ability to lead a House made up of both Democrats and Republicans.

"I'm not only grateful, but I'm very honored to have been selected to lead the next session of the legislature, which will be the 90th session, and I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.