Texas Democrat Loses It On GOP
A Texas Democrat spent the night on the House floor in Austin rather than accept a police escort, blasting Republicans as they press forward with a redistricting plan that could reshape Congress for years to come.
Rep. Nicole Collier (D–Fort Worth) was one of more than 50 Democrats who fled Texas earlier this month to block Republican redistricting efforts. After two weeks of hiding out, Collier returned Monday — but refused to comply with GOP leadership’s order that lawmakers be monitored by law enforcement to ensure quorum. Instead, she staged a dramatic overnight protest inside the chamber.
“When that directive was issued, I felt it was wrong,” Collier said. “I wasn’t going to be treated like a child needing a permission slip just to walk around.”
Collier vowed to remain camped out “as long as it takes,” claiming her stunt was about “resisting the end of democracy.”
Democrats Cry “Politics Over People” as GOP Holds the Line
Collier slammed Texas Republicans for focusing on congressional maps instead of disaster relief for flood victims. She accused the GOP of putting “politics over people.”
But Republicans say the truth is simple: Texas has grown, and new maps are needed to ensure fair representation. Experts predict the GOP could pick up as many as five additional House seats, strengthening conservative influence in Washington ahead of 2026.
Democrat Walkout Backfires
The Democrat walkout was meant to freeze the Legislature. Instead, it showcased Republican resolve. Enough Democrats returned Monday to restore quorum, and now the GOP-controlled Legislature is set to fast-track the maps through committee and onto Governor Greg Abbott’s desk.
Democrats wasted taxpayer dollars on flights, hotels, and PR stunts during their walkout. But in the end, they returned to find Republicans still holding all the cards.
National Stakes Rising
What happens in Texas won’t stay in Texas. California Democrats are already eyeing a redistricting response, trying to counter GOP momentum in the Lone Star State.
Collier admitted Democrats are dropping the so-called “high road,” telling MSNBC:
“That high road has crumbled. We’re on a dirt road now, and we’re going to meet them there.”
