Rep. Shawn Thierry, a Democrat from Houston, announced that she was running for state agent in District 146 because she knew she had to help Senate Bill 14, which forbids sex transitioning treatment for teenagers and young adults.
Rep. Thierry’s vote shocked me, Simmons says. Only she knows why she has turned her back on LGBTQ+ people, but it’s time for her to leave, for both this and many other reasons.
For Simmons, it’s about fighting for what’s appropriate rather than just reclaiming a seat at the table for the LGBTQ+ community. Although she has not run for office before, she claims that her state’s people encouraged her to do so after a picture of her criticizing the State’s appropriation of Houston ISD went viral online. With two of Simmons’ children attending Houston ISD schools, Simmons is concerned about Republican attacks on public education and believes Thierry was indifferent to the concerns of her constituents.
She says she skipped the ballot to remove disgraced Attorney General Ken Paxton and voted with Abbott to ban books in public libraries. An anti-abortion billionaire who gave more than $1 million to Abbott and $850,000 to former president Donald Trump is Thierry’s biggest supporter. Additionally, Thierry has refrained from publicly criticizing Abbott for his state’s decision to privatize HISD schools or his voucher program, which may eventually lead to the closure of community public schools. “My children attend HISD schools and are being harmed by the governor. Abbott and Thierry, respectively.”
Simmons believes that her prior work experience provides her with the skills required for this position, and she promises to speak out strongly for justice in the Texas House if elected.
“I am a coalition organizer with a proven track record fighting for the very people Greg Abbott and his allies are trying to keep down,” she says. “I organize, organize, and educate.” To get good wages and benefits, better working conditions, and better job security, I currently organize Black low-income women and Black migratory women. For Texas State workers and Houston teachers, I have been a fierce advocate and organizer. I am a devoted store manager and proud agency part.
“I’ll take all of those skills with me when I take office, which will help me continue to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. I’ll join the House LGBT caucus, prioritize hiring members of our community, and make sure that our community has a safe place to work when issues arise that lead to the mobilization of LGBTQIA+ groups.
Simmons claims that she is the ideal candidate for this position because of her progressive stance on a number of issues, and that she will fight for all people regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.
She claims, “I am a coalition organizer with a proven track record of fighting for the very people Greg Abbott and his allies are trying to keep down.”
In schools and public libraries, Simmons opposes the censorship of LGBTQ+ and other publications. She also pledges to work with transgender policy, and she has a commitment to opposing legislation that disparages Black, Native American, Latino, Asian, and other marginalized groups.
“By supporting teachers, students, and parents, I am fighting to keep our public schools strong,” Simmons says. “When people have to choose between paying for healthcare and paying the rent, I am fighting to find healthcare for them. I’m fighting for a living wage for the very people Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton are attempting to oppress. I am fighting against the eradication of Black history and the ongoing and growing erosion of our legal rights. And I’m fighting to keep LGBTQIA+ people safe from harm, family separation, and violence.”
Lauren was born and raised in the Third Ward, attended Trinity United Methodist Church, and attended public schools. She participated in the renowned leadership development and charitable service organization as a child of Jack and Jill. Eventually, life threw a curveball. At the age of 19, Lauren struggled with motherhood, postpartum depression, and attending school so that she could one day provide for her family.
She notes that “these experiences have provided me with a perspective that will benefit many of District 146’s residents.” I understand what it’s like to struggle without electricity and continue to fight. From being a comfortable middle-class child to a 19-year-old mother on food stamps, I actually went from being a middle-class child. I certainly struggled, but my problems are not that different from those of many people now who have lost their safety net.
Some people seem pessimistic about the future in a state that is very divided. Simmons claims that because she is aware of just how resilient the human spirit is, she maintains her motivation and optimism about what lies ahead.
She says, “When I think about and talk about the toughest times in my life, I think of the Black people in the low-income apartments where I lived who taught me how to survive—how to stretch every dollar,” she says. “They owe me strength. That’s why I do what I do.”
Come to laurenashleysimmons.com for more information about Simmons’ campaign.
