AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 20, 2025

Texas state Representative Nicole Collier stayed in the House chamber on Wednesday. She refused to sign a Republican-mandated escort form. This form aims to stop another walkout over the state’s new congressional map.

After Democrats returned to Austin for a special session on redistricting, House Speaker Dustin Burrows said any member who had left the state to break quorum needed written permission. They also had to be followed by Department of Public Safety officers before leaving the chamber. Collier, a Fort Worth Democrat from a majority-minority district, called the requirement “demeaning” and an “assault on [her] dignity.” She chose to sleep on a leather chair with the Texas seal instead of giving up her right to move freely.

By Wednesday morning, at least six Democrats joined Collier on the chamber floor. They tore up their permission slips in solidarity. A livestream was set up and drew tens of thousands of viewers. Gene Wu, the minority leader from Houston, and Vince Perez of El Paso spent the night. They provided snacks and blankets for Collier. Outside the chamber, supporters chanted “Let her out!” and “Don’t mess with Texas women!” Several demonstrators were arrested for not leaving the Capitol. They refused to go when it closed to the public due to security threats.

Collier has submitted a habeas corpus petition to the Travis County court. She argues that confining her without proof of a crime violates her constitutional rights. In interviews on Wednesday, she stated that her protest aims to defend Texans’ voting power. This is in reaction to a map made to add five Republican-leaning districts before the 2026 midterms. ““I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative,” she said. ““My constituents sent me here to fight for them, not to be monitored like a suspect.”

Speaker Burrows has defended the escort policy. He says it’s needed to ensure a quorum. This helps move forward legislation on property tax relief, school safety, and flood recovery. He said Collier’s choice to stay was “well within her rights under House rules.” He is sure the chamber will meet again with at least 100 members for Wednesday’s vote on the congressional map.

Collier’s confinement shows the deep divide in Texas over redistricting. It also raises questions about how far legislative protests can go and how state law enforcement enforces attendance. Both sides remain firm in their positions.