State Representative Venton Jones, a Democrat from Dallas, started Texas’ 89th legislative session on the right note: Love.
Jones proposed to his long-time partner, Gregory Scott Jr., on the House floor at the Texas Capitol after being sworn in.
“Our love symbolizes resilience, and our story reminds us that love can and will always overcome hate,” Jones, who is the Texas House Democratic Caucus Whip and Vice Chair of the Texas LGBTQ Caucus, said in a press release. “The historic gesture, set against the backdrop of the Texas Legislature, reflects a broader commitment to fight for a world where love is celebrated, not marginalized.”
Texas has the second-largest LGBTQIA+ population in the nation, with 1.8 million people, according to a 2024 analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California, and Texas lawmakers filed 160 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in 2023.
“Today, I took a renewed oath to serve my community with courage, conviction, and love,” Jones said, in his press release. “In a time when our love — and our very existence — is challenged, often in the halls of this very building, this moment is a reminder that love conquers all. Gregory and I stand as proof that progress is unstoppable, and no amount of hate can negate the truth of who we are.”
Jones and Scott live in Dallas and are frequently spotted cheering on the Dallas Mavericks, attending fundraising galas across the state, and celebrating #BlackLove as is indicated on many of their social media posts.
The couple has not yet announced a wedding date.
