Texas Democrat Nicole Collier abruptly ended a call with California Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democratic figures after expressing concern that attending a meeting from the bathroom of the state Capitol could be considered a felony.
Collier had been discussing various topics with Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin, Newsom, and others, while the Texas House was debating a rezoning bill endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
During the call, Collier stressed that the Texas district bill breached the Voting Rights Act, arguing it marginalized black and brown voters by splitting and heavily packing districts.
About half an hour into the conversation, she cut off Martin, saying, “Sorry, I have to leave. They said that doing this is a felony to me.” She added, “It seems I can’t be on the floor or the bathroom,” before shifting to address someone else off camera.
She further questioned, “You said I was allowed to be in the bathroom here,” then mentioned needing to go when she sensed the conversation was shifting.
Newsom and Senator Cory Booker swiftly reacted to her sudden exit. Booker exclaimed, “That’s outrageous. I’ll tell you something, Rep. Collier in the toilet has more dignity than Donald Trump in the oval office.” Newsom nodded in agreement.
Booker also noted the troubling implications of silencing American leaders, particularly black women, calling it “outrageous.” He criticized the lengths to which they would go to try to silence Collier, especially by labeling her presence illegal.
This incident follows a period during which many Texas Democrats fled the state, refusing to return for two weeks to thwart a quorum and block the district bill.
In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other officials had threatened to arrest the absent Democrats to compel their return.
Upon the Democrats’ return to Congress, they encountered strict security measures aimed at ensuring quorum. Witnesses reported that the Texas Public Safety Director pursued them to protect offices or follow them as they exited. They were required to sign a “permission slip” and consent to surveillance just to leave the building.
Collier chose to remain on the floor of the Texas State Capitol rather than comply with the new measures.
Despite the standoff, the Texas House ultimately passed the map on Wednesday. In response, Newsom announced plans to advance a California rezoning map to counteract Texas’s district bill.
On Friday, California Democrats and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) unveiled a new district map that could potentially eliminate five GOP congressional seats. If the Texas rezoning succeeds, it might hinder Republicans’ chances to gain five additional seats.
Efforts to reach both Booker and Newsom’s offices yielded no immediate responses, and Collier’s office opted not to comment since the House was still in session.
