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Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier as a "hero" after she refused to comply with Republican-mandated police surveillance and remained locked inside the Capitol.
“I just want you to know that you are among those who history will reveal to have been heroes of this moment,” Harris told Collier, per a video shared by Texas House Democrats. “You just stay strong and do what you are doing. You have the right instinct. You are talented and you are principled.”
Collier said she was “overwhelmed” by Harris’ support.
“What we do matters. People are watching and they are ready to hold this government accountable,” she said. “Get fired up, get ready, and vote.”
Collier was among the dozens of Texas Democrats who left the state earlier this month to block a Trump-backed redistricting plan aimed at adding five Republican congressional seats before the 2026 midterms.
Upon their return on Monday (August 18), Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows required Democratic lawmakers to sign a “permission slip” agreeing to 24-hour police escorts to ensure their attendance during redistricting votes. Collier refused the police surveillance and has been confined to the House floor with armed guards for two nights. She is permitted to access her office but not leave the Capitol.
Collier filed a writ of habeas corpus on Tuesday (August 19), arguing her detention is unlawful.
Other Democrats joined her in protest, including Rep. Mihaela Plesa, who tore up her permission slip on camera, and Rep. Penny Morales Shaw.
“Nicole was right. We should not have submitted to this," Shaw said.
A vote on the redistricting plan is expected on Wednesday (August 20).
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