A Texas judge has halted Beto O’Rourke’s efforts to financially support state legislators who left Texas to protest a Republican-led redistricting plan. Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order against O’Rourke on Friday. She ruled that the funds raised by his nonprofit organization, Powered by People, could not be used to assist Texas Democrats who have been staying in states like Illinois and California since they fled Texas.
Judge Fahey stated that the legislators were violating the law by not participating in the special legislative session. She expressed concern that their fundraising practices were harming voters, as contributions were being used for personal expenses rather than legitimate political needs.
O’Rourke, who has previously run for Senate and the presidency without success, aimed to use his group to help these Democrats cover travel, lodging, and fines incurred from their absence. Fahey’s decision came after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit earlier that day, accusing O’Rourke of attempting to bribe lawmakers to obstruct the Texas Legislature.
Paxton took to social media to announce the lawsuit, labeling the situation as “Beto Bribes” and asserting that he would not allow former politicians to manipulate Texas officials. In response to the ruling, O’Rourke claimed that Republicans were intimidated by his efforts and were trying to silence him. He stated that he would continue to fight against what he described as a power grab by Republicans.
Paxton retorted with a dismissive comment, suggesting O’Rourke was simply upset about losing in court due to his alleged lawbreaking. He also mentioned that he is investigating another organization, Texas Majority PAC, which has been helping the absent legislators.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions in Texas politics, particularly surrounding issues of redistricting and the actions of lawmakers who choose to leave the state in protest.
