On July 24, Houston congressional candidate Isaiah Martin was arrested inside the Texas State Capitol for doing something every Texan should have the right to do: speak out against injustice.

Martin had just delivered a short, passionate statement opposing Texas’s Republican-led redistricting efforts—plans that many believe are designed to silence young, Black, and Latino voters through extreme gerrymandering. His speech was peaceful. The room applauded. Then, within seconds, Capitol police took him to the ground, restrained him, and dragged him out in front of a stunned audience.

He now faces three misdemeanor charges: resisting arrest, trespassing, and disrupting a meeting. All for peacefully protesting a process that impacts every voter in Texas.

Let’s be clear: this was not a security threat. This was not violent. This was a young Black candidate using his voice inside the people’s building—and being arrested for it.

This is bigger than one moment. It’s about what kind of democracy Texas is becoming.

Isaiah Martin’s arrest sends a message to anyone who speaks out against voter suppression or challenges those in power: stay silent, or face consequences. That’s not how democracy works. Peaceful protest is not a crime. Participating in a redistricting hearing should not land you in jail.

We’re calling on Texas officials to immediately drop all charges against Isaiah Martin and ensure that the public can safely and freely speak out on the redistricting process.

If we allow peaceful voices to be silenced with handcuffs, we’ve already lost the fight for fair elections.

Sign this petition to defend free speech, protect peaceful protest, and demand justice for Isaiah Martin.