Venton Jones

Venton Jones
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 100th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 10, 2023
Preceded by	Jasmine Crockett
Personal details
Born	Venton C. Jones, Jr. Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic[1]
Alma mater	Texas A&M University (BS) University of Texas at Arlington (MS)
Known for	Prevention of HIV/AIDS

Venton C. Jones Jr. is an American politician and non-profit CEO serving as the representative for the Texas State House's 100th district since 2023. Known for his advocacy for black gay men and those with HIV, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2022 to represent the central Dallas County district. A member of the Democratic Party, Jones is the first HIV-positive member of the Texas Legislature.[2]

Early life and education

Jones was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health at Texas A&M University and his Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration form the University of Texas at Arlington.

Career

After graduating, Jones worked as the Dallas team leader for United Black Ellument, an HIV prevention and intervention project. In 2010, Jones began to work as the communications and education director at the National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition. A year later, in 2011, President Obama officially recognized him for his efforts in HIV and public health advocacy.[3]

Texas House of Representatives

Jones launched his campaign for the Texas House after incumbent state legislator Jasmine Crockett announced that she would run for office elsewhere, and not seek reelection to the Texas House. In March, 2022, Jones defeated Daniel Clayton and Marquis Hawkins in the Democratic primary election along with Sandra Crenshaw. In May 2022, Jones defeated Crenshaw in the Democratic runoff election. In November 2022, Jones defeated Joe Roberts in the general election, winning 85 percent of the votes. He assumed office in 2023. During his first term in office, Jones authored 16 pieces of legislation,[4] co-authored 63,[5] and joint-authored 36.[4]

In June 2023, Jones announced he would be running for reelection.[6]

Committee assignments

Jones serves on the Texas House of Representatives' Corrections Committee, and Public Health Committee.[7]

Personal life

Soon after graduating university in 2006, Jones went on to graduate school.[3]

References

1. "Meet Venton". VentonFor100. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
2. "The First HIV-Positive Texas House Member". YouTube. VICE News. August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
3. "Justice For All". POZ. 2014-12-29. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
4. "Texas Legislature Online - Report". capitol.texas.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
5. "Texas Legislature Online - Report". capitol.texas.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
6. Jones, Venton [@VentonJonesTX] (June 20, 2023). "Happy to announce that I am running for Re-Election!" (Tweet). Retrieved August 22, 2023 – via Twitter.
7. Representatives, Texas House of. "Texas House of Representatives". www.house.texas.gov. Retrieved June 5, 2023.