Texas State Rep. Shawn Thierry has switched her political party from Democrat to Republican.
Thierry said in a statement that the Democratic Party has “veered so far left, so deep into the progressive abyss, that it now champions policy I cannot, in good conscience, support–policies like promoting sex changes for vulnerable children and dismantling Title IX protections for women in sports.”
“That’s why I am leaving the left and joining the party of family, faith, and freedom,” she continued. “I now stand with colleagues, friends, neighbors, women, and mothers in the Republican Party.”
Abbott said he was “proud to welcome” Thierry to the Republican Party.
“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 in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Thierry to build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”
Thierry wrote on X that she knows by “making this choice, my choice, I will face relentless attacks, criticism, and mischaracterization. But I will complete my faith walk. Scripture reminds us in Job 13, ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.'”
“And so, I trust that God will guide me and cover me as I step into this new chapter of my life,” she noted. “It is time to shift our consciousness from the distractions of personalities to the substance of real policies.”
San Antonio Democrat State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer condemned Thierry’s decision.
“If Thierry looks at a party taking away the freedom for women to control their bodies, cutting healthcare for millions, and led by a racist, petty convict and says I want in on that mess, I think that says more about Shawn Thierry than about the Democratic Party,” Martinez Fischer said. “Adios.”
House Speaker Dade Phelan celebrated Thierry’s announcement.
“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,” he wrote on X. “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!”
