Join Evan Smith for Point of Order, a weekly podcast that takes you inside, behind and underneath the politics and issues of the Texas Legislature — the turning of gears and pulling of strings that power government in a state like no other. Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or RSS. More in this series

Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith talks to state Rep. Senfronia Thompson—affectionately known as “Mrs. T” to colleagues and other Capitol goers—about COVID-19, race, public ed and that young whippersnapper Dade Phelan. Rep. Thompson has served in the chamber since 1973, making her the longest-tenured woman and Black person in the House.

This episode of Point of Order, a podcast about the Texas legislature, was recorded on Jan.15, 2021.