Black Texas State Representative Joins Republican Party - The Democratic Party "has become unrecognizable"

State Representative Shawn Thierry of Houston announced Friday morning that she was leaving the Democratic Party and becoming a Republican.  Thierry's primary election contest in the spring of 2024 was widely described as a test of whether Democratic lawmakers who do not fully support LGBTQ+ causes could continue to exist in the Democratic Party.

Rep. Thierry not only voted in 2023 for a measure barring gender-transitioning care for minors, she delivered an emotional speech from the House floor, explaining her vote, which went viral.

The Democratic lined up a primary opponent vs. Thierry, Lauren Ashley Simmons.  Simmons received large amounts of money and endorsements from Democratic Party elected officials; it was made clear that Thierry's actions were not to be tolerated by the Democratic Party.    Despite support from a coalition of black ministers, Thierry was overwhelmed by the massive campaign against her and lost the primary runoff election.

In the statement she released on August 30, announcing that she was leaving the Democratic Party and joining the Republican Party, Thierry said:

...For my entire life, I have voted as a Democrat. . .

I have watched with dismay as the party I once knew has drifted far from its roots.

It has become almost unrecognizable --radicalized and increasingly out of touch with the values that millions of everyday Americans hold dear.

I now stand with the party of Lincoln, the party that fought to preserve our Union and fought to end the atrocities of slavery.

In 2024, the Republican Party champions economic empowerment. . .it is the party that fosters prosperity and entrepreneurial opportunities, enable small business owners to not just survive, but to thrive, fulfilling the promise of the American dream. . .

Together, we can nurture and protect our children by creating a safer, brighter future for them. Together, we can restore the spirit, security, and soul of America.