Who Is Nicole Collier? Texas Lawmaker Spends Night on State House Floor After Refusing GOP Demand

As the redistricting fight escalates in the US, Texas Representative Nicole Collier took an unusual stand, choosing to stay overnight on the Texas House floor rather than sign a “permission slip” to be escorted by law enforcement, CNN reported on Tuesday, just a day after reports of Texas Democrats’ return emerged.

The ‘Permission Slip’ Standoff

When Democrats returned to the Capitol after fleeing the state over a GOP-led redistricting plan, House Speaker Dustin Burrows introduced a new rule: any Democrat wishing to leave the chamber had to sign a written waiver and accept a Department of Public Safety (DPS) escort, ostensibly to ensure their return for votes, according to CNN.

While most of the lawmakers complied with the new rule, Collier reportedly refused. Consequently, she was confined to the House chamber, and allowed only to go to her office with a trooper present, the report said. According to Collier, the recent move effectively makes her “not free to leave” the Capitol, CBS News reported.

A Quiet Yet Powerful Protest

Collier eventually transformed the floor into a site of protest. “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 reportedly said.

Joined by Reps. Gene Wu and Vince Perez, the lawmaker eventually set up camp for the night — complete with dried peaches and popcorn — with Wu even sharing photos of their makeshift snack stash on social media, Newsweek reported.

Tensions Running High

Democrats fled the state earlier to deny the GOP the quorum needed to pass a redistricting map that would add five more Republican-leaning congressional seats.

The walkout not only drew national attention but also invited major backlash. Republicans threatened legal action, issued arrest warrants, and used the new escort policy to regain control, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Analysts, however, say that Collier’s reported refusal and supporters rallying outside turned her protest into a rather pointed political statement.

Her stance appears to have invited some praise from Americans. Local media reports suggest Beto O’Rourke called her “a true hero” for resisting the pressure.