[Photo: Macie Kelly/ Houston Public Media]
On Monday, January 11th, 2025, former state Rep. Shawn Thierry was appointed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board Gov. Greg Abbott. This new position came after Thierry publicly announced that she switched political parties in August. Thierry is now a Republican said via social media that she made the switch that best aligned with her core values. “After much reflection, prayer, and soul-searching, I have come to a decision that aligns with my core values and the best interests of our beloved country.”
She continued on to say that the Democratic Party has gone too far left and she can no longer support its policies. Thierry lost to Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons in a runoff election in May. Thierry served District 146 for 7 years, District 146 is home to majority Black historical neighborhoods like Third Ward, Sunnyside, and Hiram Clarke. For 7 years, Thierry’s job was to advocate for the betterment of those in underprivileged communities. However, during the latter part of her time as Representative she sided with Republicans on many bills and now, she is officially on the other side working
with them.
According to the Houston Chronicle in a statement, Gov. Abbot praised Thierry on her switch to the Republican Party. “Today, I am proud to welcome Representative Shawn Thierry to the Republican Party, the party of opportunity, individual liberty, and economic prosperity. Her decision to switch parties demonstrates that the radical leftist agenda of the Democrat Party does not align with a majority of Americans” He said.
The Texas Juvenile Justice Board consist of nine members who are all appointed by Gov. Abbott, their job will be to develop rules and help make decisions on how Texas handles young people who break the law. Her term will end February 1, 2029. The same District 146 that she used to serve is home to the most imprisoned Black youth in Houston. According to Youth Today, Nationally Black youth make up about 40% of the juvenile detention population but they only account for 15% of the youth population. Studies show that Black youth are four times more likely to be incarcerated than white youth.
Third Ward, Hiram Clarke, & Sunnyside are a part of Harris County, in Harris County Black & other minority youth make up 98% of those in juvenile detention. Switching to a political party known for policies that harm marginalized communities undermines any claim of true advocacy. This decision prioritizes political gain over the needs of Black youth in places like Third Ward, Hiram Clarke and Sunnyside, who already face challenges, the youth does not need someone who looks like them fighting against them.
