PERSON: Jolanda Jones

U.S. House of Representatives

Member of Congress

Jolanda Felicia Jones (born November 6, 1965) is an American attorney, politician, and television personality, as well as a former city councilor and heptathlete. Jones, a Democrat, is currently a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 147th district. She was sworn in on May 18, 2022.

Jones, the oldest of five children, was born to John Ferrell Jones and Gwendolyn Jean West and raised in Houston’s Third Ward. During her childhood, she lost her father, brother, and immediate family members to either suicide or murder. Despite her tough circumstances, Jones’ mother was insistent that she succeed academically. At Elsik High School, Jones was an All-American basketball player and track and field athlete. She earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Houston, and graduated with a political science degree. At the 1987 Pan American Games she won bronze in the heptathlon, and in 1989 she was the U.S. champion. Representing the University of Houston, she was a three time NCAA champion (1986, 1987, 1989). In 1995, she earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

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