Texas State Representative Nicole Collier has chosen to spend a second consecutive night at the Texas Capitol rather than complying with a mandatory police escort amid a redistricting dispute as former U.S. President Donald Trump aims to maintain Republican dominance in Congress. Collier, who represents Fort Worth, is among over 50 Democrats from the Texas House of Representatives who departed the state in a two-week walkout to prevent Republicans from achieving the legislative quorum required to approve new congressional district maps drawn at Trump’s request.
Upon their return on Monday, Democratic lawmakers were faced with new regulations imposed by the Republican leadership, mandating them to remain in the Capitol unless agreeing to be under the supervision of a state police officer to monitor their movements. The Republicans asserted that the signed permission slips were necessary to ensure the Democrats’ presence when Republican leaders convene a second special session on Wednesday to address the unfinished redistricting matters.
Refusing to consent to the police monitoring, Collier opted to remain inside the Capitol building in protest against the new rules. In a statement, she emphasized her commitment to resisting and pushing back against the measures. Collier’s attorneys filed a court petition challenging the Republicans’ actions, alleging that the threat of civil arrest for leaving the Capitol amounted to unlawful confinement.
During her overnight stay, Collier was joined by fellow Democratic State Representatives Gene Wu and Vince Perez, who showed solidarity by bringing snacks for the protest. Collier mentioned that more Democratic colleagues had torn up their permission slips and intended to join her for another night of protest at the Capitol. Meanwhile, a group of around two dozen supporters held a lively yet peaceful demonstration outside the House chamber where Collier remained sequestered.
The proposed redrawing of Texas congressional districts is aimed at enabling Republicans to gain five additional seats from Democrats in the upcoming November 2026 midterm elections. Currently holding a narrow 219-212 majority in the U.S. House, the Republicans and Democrats are expected to face a closely contested battle for control.
The Texas Democrats asserted that their walkout, while only temporarily delaying the targeted action, granted their party the opportunity to devise a counter-strategy led by California Governor Gavin Newsom to promote their own redistricting plan. In response, Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows accused Collier and her Democratic counterparts of neglecting their legislative duties, causing delays in critical matters beyond redistricting.
Democratic leader Gene Wu criticized the existing congressional districts in Texas for diminishing the voting influence of racial minorities, labeling the new redistricting plan as “turbocharged racism.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott dismissed these accusations, contending that the redistricting would establish more Hispanic-majority districts and provide Trump supporters in Democrat-majority areas the chance to elect Republicans.
Collier, a former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, emphasized her commitment to advocating for the representation of her majority-minority community. The ongoing dispute underscores the intense political maneuvering surrounding redistricting efforts in Texas.