Lauren Ashley Simmons, a candidate endorsed by Texas Freedom Network, won the runoff election for HD 146 against incumbent Representative Shawn Thierry.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2024
CONTACT: Emily Witt (she/hers), [email protected]
HOUSTON – Lauren Ashley Simmons, a candidate endorsed by Texas Freedom Network, yesterday won the runoff election for HD 146 against incumbent Representative Shawn Thierry.
Texas Freedom Network endorsed Simmons in the election against Thierry following a legislative session marred by anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, particularly with the passage of Senate Bill 14, banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. Rep. Thierry, who was endorsed by LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups during the 2022 election, supported SB 14 during the 2023 legislative session along with two other anti-LGBTQ bills, HB 900 and SB 15.
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella), issued the following response:
“Lauren Ashley Simmons is a fierce advocate who will fight for the rights of all Texans, including the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re proud to have endorsed Simmons in this race, and we’re proud that the people of HD 146 used their voting power to elect a candidate who will be a champion for progress in the face of constant authoritarian attacks from Texas’ far-right leaders.
“This election proves that our votes and our voices matter, even in Texas. Our representatives work for us, and we have the power to elect leaders who reflect our values in their policy decisions. Runoff elections are often decided by hundreds of votes, and defeating an incumbent is often challenging, but Houstonians made it happen. This November, we hope people remember that every ballot counts in building the future we deserve.”
