Venton Jones Explained

Venton Jones
Birth Name:Venton C. Jones, Jr.
Birth Place:Dallas, Texas, U.S.
State House:Texas
District:100th
Term Start:January 10, 2023
Predecessor:Jasmine Crockett
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. 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 HD 100 in central Dallas County. 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.

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.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Meet Venton. VentonFor100. January 25, 2023.
  2. Web site: The First HIV-Positive Texas House Member . . . August 15, 2023 . August 22, 2023.
  3. Web site: 2014-12-29 . Justice For All . 2023-07-05 . POZ . en.
  4. Web site: Texas Legislature Online - Report . 2023-07-05 . capitol.texas.gov.
  5. Web site: Texas Legislature Online - Report . 2023-07-05 . capitol.texas.gov.
  6. Jones . Venton . VentonJonesTX . Happy to announce that I am running for Re-Election!. 1671325807388532736 . August 22, 2023 . June 20, 2023 . Twitter . en.
  7. Web site: Representatives . Texas House of . Texas House of Representatives . June 5, 2023 . www.house.texas.gov.