Texas Democrat Nicole Collier Spends Night in Capitol to Protest Police Monitoring

AUSTIN, Aug. 19, 2025 - Democratic state Representative Nicole Collier chose to spend the night in the Texas Capitol. She refused a Republican requirement for a police escort after returning to the legislature. This standoff deepened the partisan clash over redistricting plans meant to favor Republicans in the 2026 elections.

Collier, representing Fort Worth, was one of over 50 House Democrats. They left Texas in early August to stop Republicans from getting the quorum needed for a new congressional map. On Monday, GOP leaders said any member who left the state must sign a statement. This agreement puts them under the supervision of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers when they leave the chamber. Collier refused. She called the requirement “demeaning” and said it hurt her dignity as an elected representative.

““I won’t give up my dignity as an elected representative just so Republicans can control me and watch me with police escorts,” Collier said. She chose to sleep on a chair, wrapped in a blanket. While doing this, she livestreamed her protest on social media and took media interviews from the chamber floor.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows defended the escort rule. He said it helps stop another quorum-breaking walkout and makes sure lawmakers show up for the special session. This session starts Wednesday at 10 a.m. He warned that members who don’t comply could face civil arrest warrants if they leave without permission.

Collier’s solo vigil attracted support from Democrats Gene Wu and Vince Perez. They came to the floor with snacks and stood by her side. Outside the Capitol, protesters shouted “Let her out.” Beto O’Rourke and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett praised Collier for opposing what they described as an “old Jim Crow playbook” tactic.

Republicans say the new maps would add five more congressional seats in growing areas. This would strengthen the party’s slim majority in the U.S. House. Democrats say the mid-decade redistricting weakens minority voting power. They believe it aims to secure Republican control. Legal challenges over the maps are likely to happen. Both Texas courts and federal courts may get involved after the legislature’s vote.

As lawmakers get ready for Wednesday’s session, Collier’s protest shows the intense struggle over voting power and representation in Texas. This could lead to a major clash that might alter the state’s political map for years.