Venton Jones
Venton C. Jones Jr. is an American politician and non-profit CEO serving as the representative for the Texas's 100th [House of Representatives district|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.
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.Texas House of Representatives
Jones launched his campaign for the Texas House after incumbent state legislator Jasmine Crockett announced that she would run for the Texas 30th Congressional district. 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.In June 2023, Jones announced he would be running for reelection. After a winning a close primary with just over 50 percent of the votes, Jones ran unopposed in the general election.
In 2025, Jones was the author of a bill that would repeal the state law that banned "homosexual conduct". While the law was ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, the statute had remained in Texas code though it was unenforced. The bill narrowly passed the Texas House on a bipartisan vote, but failed to receive a vote in the state senate. Jones had introduced the same bill during the previous session as well, but it failed to reach a legislative deadline to make it to a floor vote.