Democratic state Representative Nicole Collier has spent the past two nights sleeping at the Texas state Capitol to protest Republican-led redistricting efforts.
Collier, joined by her Democratic colleagues, is calling for Republican lawmakers to prioritize flood relief instead of creating a new electoral map.
“We believe flood legislation should take priority. Our focus should be on providing the necessary help and support Texans need, not executing Trump’s directives,” Collier stated.
Weeks have passed since severe rains resulted in destructive floods over the July Fourth weekend, yet some central Texas communities continue to struggle. The floods claimed at least 135 lives, and authorities are still searching for two missing individuals. Many families and businesses are seeking funds for rebuilding.
Collier explained that her decision to stay at the Capitol was a reaction to the Texas Department of Public Safety troopers being ordered by House Speaker Dustin Burrows to offer “around-the-clock escorts” for legislators. This came after Democrats left the state to prevent a vote on a Republican-supported redistricting plan earlier this month.
“I haven’t committed any crime. I’m not a criminal. There is no justification for me or my Democratic colleagues to be placed under the custody of the Department of Public Safety,” Collier remarked.
Collier told ” Live” on Wednesday that there was no legitimate reason Republicans should be seeking a mid-decade change to the map.
“We just want the voters to choose their representatives, that’s our request. We aim for fair maps, fair elections,” Collier expressed. “There was recent federal legislation proposed to bar mid-decade redistricting, and I fully support that initiative.”
The proposed map would give Republicans in Texas five more seats in next year’s midterm elections.
