Primary Runoff for Texas Democrat Who Broke with Party on LGBTQ+ Votes
The upcoming primary runoff for a Texas House of Representatives seat in south Houston has garnered attention due to the incumbent Democrat, Shawn Thierry, facing a challenger after breaking with her party on LGBTQ+ issues. Lauren Ashley Simmons, a first-time candidate and union organizer, received more votes than Thierry in the primary but did not reach the 50% threshold, leading to a runoff on May 28.
Thierry’s decision to support GOP priorities such as restrictions on transgender minors and transgender women in collegiate sports drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, sparking a competitive primary challenge. Despite the backlash, Thierry emphasized her record on other issues like maternal mortality, school safety, and tax relief during the campaign.
Simmons, who focused on expanding healthcare access and supporting public education, expressed gratitude for the support she received and is gearing up for the runoff. With education becoming a key issue in the race, Simmons highlighted the importance of public education and opposition to vouchers.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which supported Simmons, praised her victory as a rejection of bigotry and a call for progress. Third-place finisher Ashton Woods endorsed Simmons for the runoff, emphasizing unity in the campaign.
The runoff election will not only determine the fate of Thierry and Simmons but also reflects a broader trend in Texas politics, with several Republican incumbents facing runoffs and others losing their primaries. The outcome of the runoff will be closely watched as it could signal the priorities and direction of the district moving forward.
