Critics of the controversial state representative noticed a surge of right-wing donors after her anti-LGBTQ votes.
Representative Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) is not new to controversy. The embattled representative has been accused of abusing her legislative staff and has publicly admonished her party over an anti-LGBTQ bill on the House floor while surrounded by Republicans.
The notable shift in policy votes and tones has inspired some advocates to look into Thierry’s latest campaign report. According to Nancy Thompson, the Executive Director of Mothers Against Abbott/ Mothers for Democracy, and Chris Tacket, the latest campaign finance filing tells a troubling story.
After her anti-LGBTQ vote and floor speech, the state representative appeared on several conservative media platforms, including Fox News. From the financial report Signal reviewed, $20,000 of her latest $30,000 contributions came from anti-public school advocates who lobby for private school vouchers. Those included Doug Deason, who is a notable Republican, and notorious Trump donor, who is vehemently anti-abortion rights.
Since Thierry’s apparent conservative pivot, she has fielded at least one primary challenger, and there are rumors that more may be coming. Ashton Woods, a Houston civil rights activist, launched an ActBlue account as part of their primary campaign. Woods is the co-founder and lead organizer for Black Lives Matter Houston and was appointed to the City of Houston’s first LGBT advisory board.
Years ago it would have seemed unthinkable for Thierry to be vulnerable in a primary. However, given her latest actions and financial disclosures, this strange political saga churns on.
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