Abbott Appoints Shawn Thierry to Texas Juvenile Justice Board

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has appointed state Rep. Shawn Thierry (R) to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board.

The state congresswoman made headlines in 2024 after ditching the Democratic Party, citing a disagreement with the Democratic Party’s “extreme policies.”

State Rep. Thierry now joins the TJJB, which is charged with developing and implementing rules to govern the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. She is an attorney and a four term Texas Legislator who has served on several committees including the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.

In a statement, state Rep. Thierry thanked Governor Abbott for the opportunity to serve on the TJJB.

“I extend my sincerest gratitude to the Governor for placing his confidence in my abilities to contribute meaningfully to the mission of this critical Board,” she wrote, affirming that she will uphold the core values of the department.

“Throughout my four-term tenure in the legislature, I was privileged to author and pass monumental pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of Texans – particularly children and youth,” she shared on social media. “This work has always been at the heart of my public service, and I am excited to bring that same passion and dedication to this new role.”

In 2024, state Rep. Thierry publicly announced that she would be joining the GOP.

During an interview on Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s (R) Verdict podcast, she discussed her reason for leaving, claiming that Democrats have adopted “extreme policies” that endanger the lives of children.

“Democrats really started pushing policies that were so contrary to the well-being of children, and just our country overall,” she said.

Since announcing that she would be a member of the GOP, state Rep. Thierry has been embraced by Republicans, and she is part of an exodus of former Democrats who felt the Democratic Party no longer represented them.