Texas Democrat rejects police escort to protest in state Capitol. August 19, 2025. Texas Democratic lawmakers returned Monday (August 18) after a two-week walkout that bl

Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier from Fort Worth returned to the Texas Capitol on Monday but says she remains locked inside the Capitol because she wouldn't sign a permission slip to be under escort by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The proposed congressional districts are fueling a redistricting battle at the Texas Capitol and could have national consequences. A bipartisan war is already brewing across the U.S.

Texas House Democrats who fled their state to stall a Republican redistricting effort returned on Monday, ending their 15-day holdout.

Democratic allies say quorum-break drew national attention effectively, as legislature begins second special session to pass redistricting.