State Representative Nicole Collier, a Fort Worth Democrat, has remained in the Texas House chamber after refusing to sign a permission slip that would have required her to be under the constant surveillance of a Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer. This action is the latest development in a prolonged standoff between Texas Democrats and Republicans over a mid-decade redistricting plan.
The incident unfolded on Monday as Texas House Democrats, many of whom had ended a two-week walkout to prevent a quorum on the redistricting bill, returned to the State Capitol. House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced that members who had been absent would be required to sign a document and be accompanied by a DPS escort to ensure their return for future legislative sessions. Rep. Collier, however, refused to comply, citing a refusal to “sign away her dignity” and be treated like a criminal. She has since remained inside the chamber, describing her situation as a form of protest.
The dispute is rooted in a Republican-backed plan to redraw Texas congressional districts, a move that critics argue is aimed at giving the GOP a significant advantage in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The returning Democrats, while no longer able to block the legislation in the House, have framed their walkout as a success, claiming it delayed the bill and inspired a national response, including a similar redistricting effort in California to offset potential Republican gains. Collier’s decision to stay in the chamber is an extension of this protest, demonstrating her opposition to the new rules and the broader political maneuvering.