Texas Dem Rep Leaves Newsom Call Over Felony Warning Amid Redistricting Vote

Texas Democratic Representative Nicole Collier abruptly left a conference call with California Governor Gavin Newsom, DNC Chair Ken Martin, and Senator Cory Booker after being told that participating in the call from a Capitol bathroom could constitute a felony. This incident occurred amid a heated debate over a Texas redistricting bill supported by President Donald Trump, which Democrats argue violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting power of Black and Brown communities. The warning reportedly came from Capitol officials enforcing new Republican-imposed rules requiring Democrat lawmakers to have escorts and permission to leave certain areas of the Capitol. Collier's sudden departure drew immediate outrage from fellow Democrats, with Booker condemning the action as an attempt to silence a Black woman and an American leader. The redistricting bill had prompted over 50 Democratic lawmakers to flee the state in protest, breaking quorum to block the legislation, which Governor Greg Abbott supports and has ordered law enforcement to compel lawmakers to return. This episode highlights ongoing partisan tensions in Texas over voting rights and legislative procedures amid national scrutiny of redistricting efforts.