Nicole Collier (left), Protest against redistricting (AP)
In an act of defiance amid a redistricting standoff, Democratic Texas Representative Nicole Collier spent the night on the House floor after refusing a Republican demand to be monitored by state police. The protest comes as the holdout Democrats returned to the Capitol following a two-week walkout aimed at preventing a vote on the GOP’s redrawn Congressional map, reported news agency Reuters. Upon their return Monday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows imposed tight controls: Democrats could exit the chamber only with written permission and must be escorted by Texas department of public safety (DPS) officers until the House resumes sitting on Wednesday. Collier, however, rejected the arrangement and remained confined to the chamber, according to news outlet CNN.Representative Gene Wu and District Representative Vince Perez joined Collier on the floor overnight. Wu even shared a snapshot of their sustenance, freeze-dried grapes, popcorn, dried peaches, and ramen, as they prepared for the impromptu vigil. Collier, representing a majority-minority district in Fort Worth, said,“I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. My community is majority‑minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation. 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,” as quoted by the agency. Her stand drew broader political attention. Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke applauded her:“A true hero, refusing to submit, fighting these fascists by herself if she has to. We are with you Nicole!”Outside the chamber, supporters protested Collier’s confinement. According to some reports, four women were arrested for trespassing as they refused to leave the Capitol grounds in support of her. Though later released, they were banned from the Capitol for a year.This revolt follows a two-week absence by Texas House Democrats, employed to stymie a mid-decade redistricting push championed by President Trump and Republican leaders, aimed at creating additional GOP-leaning congressional seats.
