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State Rep. Shawn Thierry is facing a tough battle for political survival in the upcoming primary runoff, with more of her colleagues lining up behind her opponent and openly criticizing her. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a former colleague of Thierry’s, recently spoke out against her at a campaign event, stating that Thierry “is just that bad” and needs to be replaced.

Thierry’s troubles began last spring when she voted for a measure that banned gender-transitioning care for minors, sparking a well-funded challenge from her opponent, Lauren Ashley Simmons. The two are now locked in a runoff that will determine the future representative of a solidly blue district in south Houston.

While Thierry has garnered support from Black church leaders and some Democratic colleagues, Simmons has gained endorsements from a significant number of Democratic politicians, including Crockett and former lawmaker Garnet Coleman. The race has become a test of Democratic loyalty and values, with Thierry’s controversial votes on GOP bills drawing criticism from within her own party.

Despite the mounting opposition, Thierry remains confident in her campaign, highlighting the support she has received from the Black faith community. With just two weeks left until the primary runoff, the battle between Thierry and Simmons is heating up, with both candidates vying for the support of voters in District 146. The outcome of this runoff will not only determine the district’s next representative but also reflect the shifting dynamics within the Democratic party in Texas.