Texas Democratic Legislator Refuses Escort, Stays in State Capitol
Collier Vows to Remain Until Wednesday Session
AUSTIN, Texas — August 19, 2025
Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth announced Monday that she will remain locked inside the state Capitol chamber until the House reconvenes on Wednesday morning.
Her decision followed a dispute with Republican leaders, who required that absent Democrats accept a law enforcement escort in order to leave after Monday’s session. Collier rejected those terms, calling them an attempt to strip her of dignity and independence.
The Background: A Two-Week Standoff
The move marks another dramatic turn in a two-week standoff over redistricting. Earlier this month, dozens of Texas House Democrats fled to other states, including Illinois, in order to block Republicans from reaching a quorum during a special legislative session.
Republicans are seeking to redraw Texas’ congressional map, a move Democrats argue will dismantle majority-minority districts and strengthen the GOP’s hold on the U.S. House of Representatives.
Republicans Insist on Escort Conditions
House Speaker Dustin Burrows stated that Democrats who had civil arrest warrants could only leave the chamber with written permission, provided they agreed to be released into the custody of a designated Department of Public Safety officer.
These officers, Burrows added, would ensure the lawmakers’ return on Wednesday at 10 a.m. “For those still absent, civil arrest warrants remain in force,” he said.
Collier Rejects “Surveillance Protocol”
Collier, a seven-term Democrat and former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, denounced the conditions.
“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,” she said, likening herself to a “political prisoner.”
She added that she could not “go along quietly” with a process she believes will harm her district.
Protecting Minority Representation
Democrats maintain that the redrawn maps will harm minority voters, stripping them of fair representation.
“When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents,” Collier said. “My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights.”
A spokesperson for Speaker Burrows did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
