The topic of Guillen’s mulling of a party switch was raised and Peña, a friend of the representative, called him up and broached the issue with the GOP party chair and Democratic legislator. In an interview with The Texan, Rinaldi said the conversation about Guillen’s switch accelerated at an October 2 event in Corpus Christi during which he reconnected with Aaron Peña - a former Texas House member from Hidalgo County who switched parties back in 2010 and is now running for the 13 th Court of Appeals. Lucio ultimately announced his retirement. (D-Brownsville) - another pro-life Democrat from the Rio Grande Valley. Guillen’s switch had been speculated for much of this year, along with speculation surrounding Sen. “Usually, people in Ryan’s position would choose to fight. Guillen’s district in the redistricting process, showing complete disrespect for both him and his constituents,” said Turner. Texas House Democratic Caucus Chairman Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) cited redistricting as a contributing factor and criticized Guillen’s move in a statement. “Following this month’s Republican victories in Virginia and in Texas HD 118, this is yet another example of how the increasing extremism of the Democratic Party has alienated Texans who care about smaller government, strong families, safe communities, and the protection of the unborn. Guillen has been a friend for many years, and I am proud to welcome him to the Republican Party,” an official statement from Rinaldi read.
He remained neutral on the GOP-backed election reform bill - marked as absent - but did not participate in either of the Democratic quorum breaks aimed at killing that legislation. Guillen was the only House Democrat to vote for the Texas Heartbeat Act and was one of only a few to vote for the constitutional carry bill.