Texas state lawmaker defects from Democratic Party to GOP, citing transgender stances

A Texas state representative defected from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party , citing their respective stances on transgender matters.

State Rep. Shawn Thierry lost her Democratic primary in March by LGBT activist Lauren Ashley Simmons after voting in favor of bills restricting transgender surgeries for minors and banning biological males who identify as female from women's sports. Nearing the end of her term, the Houston representative announced her defection to the Republican Party.

Thierry elaborated on her decision in a lengthy statement , bashing the Democrats for their alleged leftward shift.

"The Democratic Party has veered so far left, so deep into the progressive abyss, that it now champions policies that I cannot, in good conscience, support policies like promoting sex changes for children during a vulnerable stage of their lives, and dismantling Title IX protections for women in sports," she said.

"This is not the party I grew up with," Thierry continued. "I have witnessed firsthand how the so-called 'liberal' left now stifles thoughtful debate, silencing dissent with an iron fist—demanding blind allegiance to ideology, where one must 'comply or be cast out.' This is not the Democratic Party I once supported and represented."

She reaffirmed this sentiment in a speech , hosted by Moms for Liberty.

With Thierry's defection, the Texas House now has 87 Republicans to 63 Democrats. However, the newly christened Republican will not head back to the legislature, as the next regular session will be in January 2025 after the likely winner, Simmons, is sworn in in her place.

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Republicans welcomed Thierry with open arms, with Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) posting a welcoming message on X.

"Proud to welcome Rep. [Thierry] to the Republican Party!" he wrote. "Democrats abandoned her after she supported a law I signed to protect Texas children. The radical leftist agenda doesn't align with most Americans. Look forward to working with Rep. Thierry to build a brighter future."