Texas Democratic Lawmaker Ousted After Supporting Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

In a stunning upset, Democratic incumbent Shawn Thierry was ousted in a primary runoff in south Houston after breaking with her party to support a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Thierry, who had served four terms in the Texas House, faced criticism for her controversial vote on the bill last year.

Her challenger, Lauren Ashley Simmons, a union organizer, defeated Thierry by nearly 30 percentage points in Tuesday’s primary. The race garnered national attention as LGBTQ+ groups rallied behind Simmons, who had the support of organizations like the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign.

Thierry’s defense of the ban on gender-affirming care for transgender children sparked outrage among Democratic colleagues and energized the LGBTQ+ community. Despite her support from Black pastors in the district, Thierry’s stance on the issue ultimately led to her defeat.

Simmons, who will now be favored to win the heavily Democratic district in November, emphasized the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ rights and safety. The race serves as a reminder to Democratic elected officials that breaking with the party on key issues can have consequences, as seen in Thierry’s defeat.

The outcome of this primary runoff highlights the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party to counter attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people. It also underscores the importance of staying true to party values and principles in the face of political pressure.