BY: Ashley Blackwell
Published 6 months ago
Texas State Rep. Venton Jones proposes! No matter the time or the place, love wins… yet again!
If you didn’t know, on Jan. 14, the Dallas-bred lawmaker went viral after popping the big question on his longtime mate, Gregory Scott Jr. In the emotional clip, which occurred only minutes after his swear-in during Texas’ 89th legislative session, Jones was captured on bended knee amid the floor of the State Capitol.
Surrounded by smiling faces and flashing cameras, the 41-year-old squatted front and center as he unapologetically opened the beige ring box and asked his partner, “Gregory Scott, will you marry me?”
After Jones’ teary-eyed surprise, Scott stood wide-mouthed, gushing over his forevermore’s proposal for his hand in marriage. With a quick nod, the room filled with ooos, ahhs, and applause at his heartfelt “yes.” Many of the onlookers were close loved ones of the couple or colleagues.
ENGAGED.
State Rep. @VentonJonesTX, a Dallas Democrat, just proposed to his longtime partner, Gregory Scott, Jr. moments after being sworn in. Jones popped the question when the House went into recess. #txlege pic.twitter.com/4nD0EVAWw9
— Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) January 14, 2025
Per the video, shared via X (formerly Twitter) by WFAA reporter Jason Whitely, Jones happily expressed after the joyous moment, “We just got engaged on the House floor!”
The second-termer furthered in a statement obtained by People: “Today, I took a renewed oath to serve my community with courage, conviction, and love. I made a promise to the person who has stood beside me through every step of this journey.”
Texas State Rep. Venton Jones Proposes — Why the Occasion Is So Historic
Following the milestone, accounts flooded the social media platform with various opinions. While some raved about the monumental event and what the prominent pair’s declaration of Black queer romance meant for the current LGBTQIA+ climate, others weren’t so pleased with the publicity of the matter.
“I am so tired of my state becoming a mocker of what WE, THE PEOPLE, actually stand for… enough is enough!!” a person said under Whitely’s post to X.
Another individual added, implying that Jones’ move was riddled with political clout-chase: “It’s all about attention wh*ring. Normal people don’t conduct this activity in front of a camera and a crowd.”
Despite the numerous homophobic comments, an additional user (who proudly rocks the multi-colored flag in his profile bio) emerged with a burst of positivity, citing, “[Two] handsome, young Black men representing Texas well! It’s good to know there’s some hope in Texas! Congratulations, gentlemen!”
As previously reported, Jones became one of the first openly gay African-American men elected to the Texas Legislature in 2022. The House District 100 member is known for his strong advocacy regarding fellow males in the rainbow group and HIV awareness. Jones and Scott’s engagement made a statement and garnered major buzz, as it defied social norms and fought against the Trump administration’s notorious anti-gay agenda.
“Last session, I sat in that very chair and saw over 144 bills [targeting the LGBTQIA+ people],” Scott told KXAN Austin in a recent interview. “We continue to see attacks on the [LGBTQIA+] community. Being able to be in a space of authenticity is not a show; this is our life.”
According to People, Jones, vice-chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, expanded in the statement: “In a time when our love and our very existence are challenged, often in the halls of [the State Capitol], this moment is a reminder that love conquers all.”
He continued: “Gregory and I stand as proof that progress is unstoppable, and no amount of hate can erase the truth of who we are.”
Congratulations to the Mr. & Mr. on their beautiful union!
Drop your kind words for the soon-to-be newlyweds below.
