Texas Republicans just falsely imprisoned a Democratic state representative because she stood up for her constituents. Add your name to demand Rep. Nicole Collier’s release NOW >>
John, when Donald Trump directed Texas Republicans to redraw voting maps to give his party 5 extra seats, state Democrats took a big risk to stop them – leaving the state en masse.
Now, Texas Republicans are taking their revenge. They’ve trapped Rep. Nicole Collier inside the State House in Austin – not letting her leave until she accepts a law enforcement escort and signs a degrading “permission slip” just to walk outside the chamber. [1]
Rep. Collier joined her fellow Democrats in leaving the state because refusing to act would give Trump free rein to try to rig the 2026 midterms. That bold act of protest helped spark nationwide resistance to Trump’s scheme, inspiring people across Texas and beyond to stand up for fair representation and our freedom to vote. [2]
And the Texas GOP knows it. That’s why they’re lashing out now – trying to intimidate anyone who dares to speak out as they attempt to silence voters.
But let’s be clear:
This is political intimidation – and Texas Republicans have zero legal basis to violate Rep. Collier’s rights like this.
John, we need voices like yours from across the country to send a clear message. Sign the petition to show Rep. Collier she’s not alone – and tell the Texas GOP that their intimidation tactics won’t stand.
Rep. Collier has shown incredible courage – sleeping overnight in the chamber, livestreaming her defiance, and refusing to bow to intimidation. [3] But Texas Republicans’ wildly disproportionate response is just one of many worrying moves towards authoritarianism we’re tracking.
Sen. Alex Padilla was tackled for asking a simple question at Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference. And ICE arrested New York City Comptroller Brad Lander after he helped a constituent facing deportation. [4]
If this is how Trump’s foot soldiers will treat elected officials, with the cameras rolling, how can ordinary people ever trust them not to violate our civil rights?
Make no mistake – they are testing us to see what we’ll let them get away with. YOUR right to protest, to raise your voice, and to challenge those in power is on the line. Our freedom of speech and our right to protest only exist if we’re willing to defend them – together.
Join us to tell Trump & Texas Republicans: our right to dissent is sacred. Free Rep. Collier NOW >>
Thanks for all you do,
The team at Common Cause
P.S. Share our post on Bluesky to help spread the word >>
[1] https://www.commondreams.org/news/nicole-collier-locked-in-capitol
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/16/us/politics/texas-democrats-redistricting-protests.html
[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/texas-democratic-legislator-stay-state-capitol-refusing-law-enforcemen-rcna225730
[4] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/17/alex-padilla-brad-lander-arrest-00411576
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