A Texas judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order against former congressman Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit, Powered by People, after state Attorney General Ken Paxton accused them of illegally raising funds to aid Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP redistricting legislation.
Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey ruled that O’Rourke’s group engaged in “unlawful fundraising practices” to support the Democrats, including covering air travel, lodging, logistics, and daily fines. The order bars O’Rourke and his organization from soliciting donations or providing financial support related to the incident.
Court Ruling Sides With Paxton
In her decision, Fahey wrote that O’Rourke’s fundraising was being used for “personal expenses” in violation of Texas law, causing “irreparable harm” to contributors. The ruling came just hours after Paxton’s office petitioned for the restraining order.
Fahey, a Republican appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2019, agreed with Paxton’s claim that the funds enabled lawmakers to break the law by fleeing to avoid a vote.
O’Rourke Pushes Back
O’Rourke issued a statement accusing Paxton of targeting his group because of its work on “voting rights and free elections.” He claimed the effort was meant to “silence” him and prevent him from opposing former President Trump and Texas Republicans.
“I plan on speaking at our rally to stop the power grab in Fort Worth tomorrow afternoon,” O’Rourke said.
Paxton fired back, saying, “Cry more, lib. You lost in court because you’re breaking the law and deceiving Texans. We absolutely will make an example out of law breakers.”
Broader Investigation
Paxton’s office has also launched an investigation into the Texas Majority PAC, which has been accused of playing a major role in funding the Democrats who left the state.
Separately, O’Rourke filed a lawsuit against Paxton in El Paso district court, accusing the attorney general of conducting a “fishing expedition” and asking a judge to block the probe into his nonprofit’s activities.
