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.

We need voices 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.

[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