Texas Senator Sleeps at Capitol, Protests GOP Measures
Texas Senator Nicole Collier, a Democrat, took to sleeping in the House chamber on Monday, declaring herself a “political prisoner” after refusing to accept an escort from state troopers.
Republicans have urged fellow Democrats to return to the House of Representatives on Wednesday after two weeks spent outside the state to counter GOP initiatives.
Collier, previously from Fort Worth, stated, “I refuse to sign my dignity away as a formally elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts.”
She accused Republicans of enforcing “surveillance protocols,” sharing images of herself lounging in a swivel chair with a mask and blanket as she tried to catch some sleep.
Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, called for a special session this month, focusing on flood relief and redistricting, which could help the GOP secure five additional seats.
In response, 57 Democrats fled the state beginning August 3 to avoid participating in the special session, knowing that Texas law requires 100 of the 150 members to be present for a quorum.
On Monday, Texas Democrats returned, setting the stage for a second special session. They reportedly decided to end their self-imposed exile after successfully obstructing the first session, with support from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts.
Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the actions of these Democrats.
As the Democrats returned, Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Republican, asked members to pledge in writing to attend the upcoming session. He noted that those who had been absent until now would need to agree to return under the supervision of designated officers.
Every Democrat except Collier complied with the request. “I won’t enter the custody of the Texas Department of Public Safety. I’m not a criminal,” she asserted. “I’m exercising my right to resist and protest against governmental decisions.”
Collier is in her seventh term at the Texas House and has previously led the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. The Democrats plan to challenge the GOP’s redistricting efforts in court, though mid-decade redrawing of districts isn’t without precedent.
