HOUSTON, TX- Texas state lawmaker Rep. Shawn Thierry announced on Friday that she is switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, following a loss in the Democratic primary runoff earlier this year.
Thierry, who has represented House District 146 in southwest Houston for four terms, explained her decision by citing a growing disconnect with the direction of the Democratic Party, particularly concerning issues she believes are critical to family and societal values.
In her statement, Thierry highlighted her discomfort with the Democratic Party’s stance on several key issues, including policies that she views as promoting sex changes for minors and weakening Title IX protections for women in sports. She expressed concern that the party had moved too far left, making it difficult for her to support its policies in good conscience.
Thierry described her shift as a move towards a party that better aligns with her values of family, faith, and freedom.
Thierry’s decision to switch parties was met with enthusiasm by Republican leaders in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott welcomed her to the party, praising her for standing up against what he termed the “radical leftist agenda” of the Democratic Party. Abbott noted that her decision reflects a broader trend of Americans seeking to align with a party that prioritizes traditional values and individual freedoms.
“Her decision to switch parties demonstrates that the radical leftist agenda of the Democrat Party does not align with a majority of Americans,” Abbott said. “I took forward to continuing to work with Representative Thierry to build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”
House Speaker Dade Phelan also commended Thierry for her courage in making this change, expressing confidence that her values will help strengthen the Republican Party and contribute to its mission of protecting parental rights and the innocence of children.
“We are thrilled to have you join us in championing the rights of parents, protecting the innocence of our children, and ensuring all voices are heard,” Phelan wrote. “These are values you have always fearlessly advocated for, and your courageous decision to stand up for them when it matters most shows just how deeply you care for your community and its future. I look forward to seeing the incredible work you’ll do to strengthen our party and our nation. It’s an honor to work alongside you in that effort!”
On the Democratic side, reactions were less favorable. Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fisher, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, criticized Thierry’s move, accusing her of abandoning her constituents and aligning with a party that he claimed is tied to white nationalism.
However, Thierry defended her decision, stating that the Democratic Party’s increasingly progressive stance on certain issues left her feeling alienated, and she believes that more Texans, especially former Democrats, are beginning to feel the same way.
“The Democratic Party has veered so far left, so deep into the progressive abyss, that it now champions policies I cannot, in good conscience, support—policies like promoting sex changes for vulnerable children and dismantling Title IX protections for women in sports,” Thierry said in her statement. “That’s why I am leaving the left and joining the party of family, faith, and freedom. I now stand with colleagues, friends, neighbors, women, and mothers in the Republican Party.”
As her term is set to expire in January 2025, Thierry’s decision underscores a growing divide within the Democratic Party, with some members feeling that the party is moving away from traditional values.
The general election on November 5 will determine whether Democrat Lauren Ashley Simmons, who defeated Thierry in the primary runoff, or Republican Lance York will succeed her in the Texas House. Thierry’s shift to the Republican Party signals a broader trend of political realignment in Texas as voters and politicians alike reassess their affiliations in light of evolving party platforms.
Thierry, who has represented House District 146 in southwest Houston for four terms, explained her decision by citing a growing disconnect with the direction of the Democratic Party, particularly concerning issues she believes are critical to family and societal values.
In her statement, Thierry highlighted her discomfort with the Democratic Party’s stance on several key issues, including policies that she views as promoting sex changes for minors and weakening Title IX protections for women in sports. She expressed concern that the party had moved too far left, making it difficult for her to support its policies in good conscience.
Thierry described her shift as a move towards a party that better aligns with her values of family, faith, and freedom.
Thierry’s decision to switch parties was met with enthusiasm by Republican leaders in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott welcomed her to the party, praising her for standing up against what he termed the “radical leftist agenda” of the Democratic Party. Abbott noted that her decision reflects a broader trend of Americans seeking to align with a party that prioritizes traditional values and individual freedoms.
“Her decision to switch parties demonstrates that the radical leftist agenda of the Democrat Party does not align with a majority of Americans,” Abbott said. “I took forward to continuing to work with Representative Thierry to build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”
House Speaker Dade Phelan also commended Thierry for her courage in making this change, expressing confidence that her values will help strengthen the Republican Party and contribute to its mission of protecting parental rights and the innocence of children.
“We are thrilled to have you join us in championing the rights of parents, protecting the innocence of our children, and ensuring all voices are heard,” Phelan wrote. “These are values you have always fearlessly advocated for, and your courageous decision to stand up for them when it matters most shows just how deeply you care for your community and its future. I look forward to seeing the incredible work you’ll do to strengthen our party and our nation. It’s an honor to work alongside you in that effort!”
On the Democratic side, reactions were less favorable. Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fisher, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, criticized Thierry’s move, accusing her of abandoning her constituents and aligning with a party that he claimed is tied to white nationalism.
However, Thierry defended her decision, stating that the Democratic Party’s increasingly progressive stance on certain issues left her feeling alienated, and she believes that more Texans, especially former Democrats, are beginning to feel the same way.
“The Democratic Party has veered so far left, so deep into the progressive abyss, that it now champions policies I cannot, in good conscience, support—policies like promoting sex changes for vulnerable children and dismantling Title IX protections for women in sports,” Thierry said in her statement. “That’s why I am leaving the left and joining the party of family, faith, and freedom. I now stand with colleagues, friends, neighbors, women, and mothers in the Republican Party.”
As her term is set to expire in January 2025, Thierry’s decision underscores a growing divide within the Democratic Party, with some members feeling that the party is moving away from traditional values.
The general election on November 5 will determine whether Democrat Lauren Ashley Simmons, who defeated Thierry in the primary runoff, or Republican Lance York will succeed her in the Texas House. Thierry’s shift to the Republican Party signals a broader trend of political realignment in Texas as voters and politicians alike reassess their affiliations in light of evolving party platforms.
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Comments
2024-09-08T15:47-0400 | Comment by: Fred
She is not "switching parties", she's a dyed in the wool, democrat, uniparty member. She should say she's infiltrating the jellyfish party because the republicans are too stupid, and lazy to police their own. First question to her should be on 2A constitutional carry, and preventing democrats from touching guns.