Aug 20, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Texas Democrat abruptly leaves call with DNC chair, citing felony warning

Rebecca Falconer

Three people in conversation in a room with brown chairs; a smiling woman in a green blazer faces a woman with dark hair in a black and white polka dot top, and a bald man in glasses in a black jacket. — Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier, a Democrat, center, speaks with colleagues in the House Chamber during a special session at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Wednesday. Photo: Eli Hartman/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Texas Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier on a call with DNC Chair Ken Martin and other senior party leaders told them she had to abruptly leave the call after being warned it was a felony offense.

The big picture: Collier was among the Texas Democrats who left the state in a two-week protest over a new congressional map before returning on Monday, when the state House reached a quorum.

She slept in the state Capitol on Monday and accused the state's House speaker of illegally confining her and threatening her with arrest.

Driving the news: Martin was speaking when Collier suddenly said, "Sorry, I have to leave. They said it's a felony for me to do this. Apparently I can't be on the floor or in the bathroom."

Sen. Cory Booker (DN.J.) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who were also on the call, looked shocked at what happened.
"That is outrageous," Booker said. "What they're trying to do right there, is silence an American leader, silence a Black woman and that is outrageous."

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Texas Democrat abruptly leaves call with DNC chair, citing felony warning

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