Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons

Lauren Ashley Simmons is a Democratic state representative serving District 146 in the Texas House of Representatives, which encompasses parts of Southwest Houston, including the historic Sunnyside neighborhood. She was first elected in May 2024, defeating five-term incumbent Shawn Thierry in a competitive primary runoff before winning the general election.

Simmons is a mother and community advocate whose personal experiences shaped her political priorities. She transitioned from being a comfortable middle-class youth to a 19-year-old single mother on food stamps, an experience that instilled in her a deep understanding of economic hardship. She is raising two children, including a daughter with sickle cell disease, which has informed her legislative focus on healthcare access and disease management.

Education and Professional Background

Simmons has spent her entire professional career in the labor movement, beginning with the Texas State Employees Union and spending nearly five years with the American Federation of Teachers. She currently serves as a CWA 1180 shop steward and organizes Black low-income women and Black migrant women to secure fair wages, improved working conditions, and better job security.

Her background in union organizing, rather than traditional politics, reflects her grassroots commitment to worker advocacy and community needs. She aspires to attend law school and continue her advocacy work through legal channels.

Political Experience and Positions

Since taking office in January 2025 following the 89th Texas Legislature session, Simmons has introduced 15 bills addressing issues central to her advocacy platform. Her legislative priorities include expanding collective bargaining rights for public workers and improving care for Texans with sickle cell disease.

She serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Public Health Committee. Simmons is also an active member of several legislative caucuses, including the Texas House Democratic Caucus, Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus, and the Legislative Study Group. She serves as the inaugural chair of the Labor & Workforce Caucus, underscoring her commitment to worker rights and labor issues.