Texas State Representative Shawn Thierry has left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party, citing a shift in ideological alignment.
Breitbart reported that Thierry, a state representative from Houston, made headlines on Friday when she announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party.
Thierry, who has been a lifelong Democrat, explained that the party has moved so far to the left that it now supports policies she can no longer endorse in good conscience.
Thierry emphasized that the Democratic Party has dramatically changed over the years.
In her statement, she expressed her dismay at the direction the party has taken, describing it as “radicalized and increasingly out of touch with the values that millions of everyday Americans hold dear.” She noted that the party, once seen as “the party of the people,” has now become almost unrecognizable to her.
“The Democratic Party has veered so far left, so deep into the progressive abyss, that it now champions policies that I cannot, in good conscience, support,” Thierry said.
She stressed that her decision to leave the party was not made lightly and acknowledged the challenges she would face because of it.
Thierry’s announcement was met with a standing ovation at a recent Moms for Liberty event, where she was warmly received by those who share her concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party.
Her decision to switch parties was not entirely unexpected, given her voting record and past alignment with Republican stances on certain issues.
Thierry’s departure from the Democratic Party comes after a period of increasing alignment with Republican positions on key issues.
Last year, she sided with Republicans on several significant bills, including a measure that barred gender-transitioning care for minors, a move that was opposed by many within the LGBTQ+ community.
In May of this year, Thierry was defeated in the Democratic primary runoff by challenger Lauren Ashley Simmons.
Her loss was largely attributed to her support for Republican-backed legislation, which alienated some of her base within the Democratic Party.
Despite the primary loss, Thierry has remained steadfast in her beliefs. In her statement, she acknowledged the potential backlash, saying, “I know that by making this choice, my choice, I will face relentless attacks, criticism, and mischaracterization. But I will complete my faith walk.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott was quick to welcome Thierry to the Republican Party, expressing his support for her decision.
Abbott noted that Thierry had been abandoned by the Democratic Party after she supported a child protection law that he had signed.
“Democrats abandoned her after she supported a law I signed to protect Texas children,” Abbott said. He added that the “radical leftist agenda doesn’t align with most Americans,” and he looked forward to working with Thierry in the future.
Abbott’s comments highlighted the growing divide within the Democratic Party and underscored the reasons behind Thierry’s switch. Thierry’s decision has been viewed by some as a courageous stand for her beliefs, while others have criticized her for what they see as a betrayal of her party.
As Thierry embarks on this new chapter in her political career, she has made it clear that her decision was guided by her faith and her commitment to her principles. Quoting scripture, she expressed her trust in divine guidance as she navigates this transition.
“And so, I trust that God will guide me and cover me as I step into this new chapter of my life. It is time to shift our consciousness from the distractions of personalities to the substance of real policies,” Thierry said, emphasizing her focus on policy over party loyalty.
Thierry’s switch to the Republican Party has not only reshaped her political trajectory but also sparked a broader discussion about the ideological shifts within both major parties. Her move reflects a growing trend of politicians reassessing their party affiliations in response to changing political landscapes.
