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A Texas Democrat is escalating the standoff over redistricting by refusing to leave the statehouse chamber under Republican-imposed conditions.
State Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth announced Monday that she would remain locked inside the chamber until the Texas House reconvenes on Wednesday morning. The move follows a demand from House Speaker Dustin Burrows that Democrats who returned from quorum-breaking absences agree to leave the Capitol only under police escort.
“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,” Collier said in a statement. She called herself a “political prisoner” under what she described as a Republican “surveillance protocol.”
Two-week standoff over redistricting
The clash is the latest development in a two-week saga in which House Democrats fled the state to block GOP-led redistricting legislation. Dozens of Democrats camped out in Illinois earlier this month, denying Republicans the quorum needed to redraw Texas’ congressional map — a plan Democrats say would dilute minority voting power and lock in GOP dominance in Washington.
Collier, a seven-term lawmaker and former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, represents a majority-minority district in Fort Worth. “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,” she said.
Republicans tighten control
Burrows confirmed Monday that Democrats who were absent until now would be permitted to leave only if they agreed to release themselves into the custody of a Department of Public Safety officer. The officer would then be tasked with ensuring their return for Wednesday’s 10 a.m. session.
“For those still absent, civil arrest warrants remain in force,” Burrows added.
Broader stakes
The redistricting battle is part of a wider Republican push to cement political advantages ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats argue the new maps split up minority communities, weakening their representation and undermining voting rights protections.
“My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights,” Collier said.
A spokesperson for Burrows could not immediately be reached for comment.
