A tense standoff unfolded on the Texas House floor as Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth led a protest against the state’s GOP-led congressional redistricting efforts.
Joined by fellow Democrats, Collier spent two days defying a controversial policy imposed by Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows, which would require state troopers to escort any Texas Democrat who had fled the state during a quorum break.
Legal Action and the Fight for Representation
Rep. Collier, refusing to comply with the policy, spent the night in the House chamber, asserting that she was being illegally confined. On Monday, she filed a lawsuit against the speaker’s policy, arguing it violated the Texas Constitution.
The lawsuit contends that while the Constitution allows the sergeant-at-arms to compel the attendance of absent members, it does not grant the power to detain those present in the chamber.
In a statement released by the Texas House Democratic Caucus, Collier emphasized her responsibility to her constituents, saying, “When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents. I won’t just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination.”
Growing Democratic Resistance
Collier’s protest gained national attention, drawing solidarity from other Democratic lawmakers. By Tuesday evening, Reps. Mihaela Plesa, Penny Morales Shaw, and Cassandra Garcia Hernandez joined her, tearing up their own “permission slips.”
These protests coincide with a crucial moment in Texas’ redistricting process, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday. The redistricting plan has been heavily criticized for potentially diminishing the political power of Black and brown voters across the state.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth activists rallied in support of Collier, calling on Speaker Burrows to “free Nicole” and denouncing the redistricting plan as an attack on minority communities.
Local political figures, including Fort Worth City Council members and Tarrant County officials, expressed their outrage at the policy, with some comparing Burrows’ actions to treating Collier as a “runaway slave.”
Republican Response and the Continuing Standoff
While some Democratic lawmakers stood firmly behind Collier, many Republicans dismissed the protest as a publicity stunt. Rep. David Lowe of North Richland Hills expressed frustration, urging an end to the political theatrics in favor of focusing on what he described as the “will of the people.”
However, Rep. Collier has vowed to continue her protest as long as the controversial escort policy remains in place, signaling that her stand against the GOP redistricting efforts may persist.
Calls to Action and Voter Mobilization
During the rally, speakers urged Tarrant County residents to take action by contacting their elected officials to express opposition to the redistricting plan. They also emphasized the importance of voting in the 2026 elections to protect citizens’ rights and ensure fair representation.
