Lauren Ashley Simmons, a labor organizer and queer Black mother from Houston, won the Democratic primary election in Texas’ House District against incumbent State Rep. Shawn Thierry. The primary was held on May 28, and Simmons secured 65% of the vote.
Thierry, a Democrat, had diverged from her party to support three Republican-led bills limiting rights for transgender minors, prompting Simmons to run for office. Simmons was deeply impacted by Thierry’s votes, which supported banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender teens, restricting trans athletes in college, and censoring “sexually explicit” books in school libraries.
Simmons, who has been active with the Houston Federation of Teachers and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, entered the race after her viral opposition to Thierry’s stance on transgender issues. Her victory is seen as a significant development for the incoming class of LGBT+ lawmakers in Texas, a state that has produced a notable number of legislative efforts targeting LGBT+ rights.
Simmons’ success comes amidst broader concerns over the legislative environment in Texas, where numerous bills against LGBT+ rights have raised alarms among civil rights groups. Following her victory, Simmons is anticipated to win the seat in the November general election for the heavily Democratic district.