A Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order against former congressman Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit group, Powered by People, preventing them from raising funds to support Democratic lawmakers who fled the state.
The order, handed down on Friday by Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey, was prompted by a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Paxton’s lawsuit accuses O’Rourke and his organization of illegal fundraising linked to efforts assisting Democrats who left Texas to block Republican-led redistricting legislation.
The funds reportedly covered expenses such as air travel, lodging, logistical support, and daily fines incurred by the lawmakers.
The judge ruled that these activities violate state laws regulating political contributions and fund usage.
The ruling forbids O’Rourke and Powered by People from continuing any fundraising or financial support for the lawmakers involved in the walkout.
Judge Fahey, a Republican appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, acted swiftly after Paxton’s petition for the restraining order was filed earlier that day.
O’Rourke responded by accusing Paxton of targeting his nonprofit to halt efforts defending voting rights and fair elections in Texas.
He stated his intention to continue opposing what he described as attempts to undermine Democratic influence in the state.
Paxton dismissed O’Rourke’s claims, insisting that enforcement actions are necessary to hold lawbreakers accountable.
The Attorney General’s office has also launched an investigation into the Texas Majority PAC, another group believed to be financially supporting the fleeing Democrats.
In response to Paxton’s legal actions, O’Rourke filed a lawsuit in El Paso district court seeking to block the investigation, calling it a “fishing expedition” aimed at stifling his group’s activities.
This legal dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Texas state officials and Democratic lawmakers over redistricting and political funding.