Rep. Shawn Thierry crossed the aisle to vote for a ban on care for transgender Texans and a regressive book ban.
WASHINGTON–LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Spotlight Candidate Lauren Ashley Simmons won the Democratic primary runoff election to represent District 146 in the Texas state House. Simmons defeated incumbent Rep. Shawn Thierry, a Democrat who voted with Republicans to ban gender affirming care in Texas. An out queer candidate, Simmons’ campaign earned the support of a broad coalition of progressive groups and leaders.
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, released the following statement:
“Clearly voters are tired of the bigoted politics of Shawn Thierry, who has betrayed her constituents so she could carry water for the worst politicians in Austin. Tonight’s result shows that Houstonians in District 146 are ready for much better representation. I couldn’t be more proud of Lauren, the campaign she ran and the fierceness she’ll bring to the Texas House, where she’ll proudly fight to make Houston a more welcoming place for everyone.”
About LGBTQ+ Victory Fund
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
