Early Life and Education
Nicole Denise Johnson Collier, born on September 12, 1972, is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 95 in Fort Worth since 2013.
Collier’s story is one of resilience. She became a single mother of two children before finishing high school, yet persevered to continue her education. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and later received her law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law).
Her early struggles shaped her passion for equity, justice, and representation.
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| Spent the night on the House floor |
Career and Legislative Achievements
Nicole Collier made history as the first woman to represent Tarrant County’s House District 95. Over the years, she has emerged as a strong Democratic leader in Texas, championing laws that impact marginalized communities.
Some of her notable work includes:
Criminal Justice Reform – Chaired the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, becoming the first woman to do so since 1879.Affordable Housing & Renters’ Rights – Advocated for stronger tenant protections and housing access.
Healthcare Access & Public Health – Supported legislation to expand access to healthcare services.
Civil Rights & Equity – Long-standing member and former Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, as well as Second Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
Collier is also a trial lawyer, small business owner, grandmother, and mother of three, balancing her career in law, politics, and family.
August 2025: Redistricting Protest
In August 2025, Nicole Collier drew national headlines during a heated redistricting dispute. Republican lawmakers mandated a controversial “permission slip” rule requiring state police surveillance whenever legislators left the Texas House floor.
Collier refused to sign the mandate and, in protest, spent the night on the House floor. Her act of defiance was praised by Democratic allies and civil rights activists, who viewed it as a stand against government overreach and voter suppression tactics.
Recognition and Influence
Nicole Collier has received numerous awards for her civil rights advocacy and continues to be a leading voice for equity and justice in Texas politics.
She is recognized as:
A barrier-breaking leader for women in Texas.A protector of marginalized communities.
A respected legislator with over a decade of service.
Her leadership ensures that District 95 and the people of Fort Worth remain strongly represented in state politics.
Contact Information
Capitol Office: Austin, TX
District Office: Fort Worth, TX
Constituents can reach her through the official Texas House website and her personal representative site for assistance and legislative updates.
FAQ's
Q1: Who is Nicole Collier?
Nicole Collier is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 95 since 2013. She is also a lawyer, small business owner, mother, and grandmother.
Q2: What is Nicole Collier known for?
She is best known for her work on criminal justice reform, housing rights, healthcare access, and her leadership as the first woman to chair the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.
Q3: Why did Nicole Collier protest in August 2025?
She refused to sign a Republican-led “permission slip” rule requiring police surveillance of legislators. As a protest, she spent the night on the House floor, sparking national attention.
Q4: What committees has Collier chaired?
Collier has chaired the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. She also served as Second Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
Q5: How can constituents contact Nicole Collier?
She has offices in Austin (Capitol Office) and Fort Worth (District Office). Contact details are available on the Texas House website.
