AUSTIN, Texas —  Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Shawn Thierry compromised her Democratic values, betraying the constituents of House District 146, and in response, they rightfully fired her. We hope that Switch-Up Shawn finds solace within a party that demonizes Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ communities given her long recorded history of berating these very communities in her district, staff office and on the Texas House floor. In conclusion, we’re elated that Shawn Thierry has found her true community – the hateful arms of the Republican Party of Texas.”

Texas Democratic Party Treasurer Odus E. Evbagharu⁩ issued the following statement:

“Maya Angelou told us ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.’ So it’s no surprise Shawn Thierry has decided to align herself with the very forces who consistently undermine the rights and futures of Black people and other marginalized communities.

“If this rejected State Representative truly understood ‘When you know better, you do better,’ she would recognize knowing better means standing up against those who strip away our voting rights, dismantle educational opportunities for our children, and refuse to allow true equity in our communities, not joining them.

“Her Republican Party has long been hostile to the interests of the very people she claims to represent. From blocking efforts to improve literacy among our youth to denying the existence of systemic inequities, their policies have regularly failed to uplift those who need it most.

“She cites scripture, but ignores passages calling for justice and the defense of the oppressed. In Isaiah 1:17, we are called to ‘learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.’ These are the values guiding our work as public servants, not the hollow words of a party who has deserted Texans time and time again.

“Now that she’s out of the picture, thank goodness the constituents of House District 146 upgraded to someone who actually stands by their principles—welcome, Lauren Ashley Simmons!”

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