A Texas judge has granted Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) a temporary restraining order against former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) and his political group, Powered by People, over alleged unlawful fundraising to support Democratic state House members who fled the state to block a GOP redistricting plan.
The order, issued by Judge Megan Fahey, came just hours after Paxton filed suit accusing O’Rourke’s group of “false, misleading, or deceptive acts” under state law. The ruling bars Powered by People from raising or using funds to cover travel, lodging, or dining for absent legislators during any special legislative session called by the governor.
“Democrat runaways are likely accepting Beto bribes to underwrite their jet-setting sideshow in far-flung places and misleadingly raising political funds to pay for personal expenses,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will not allow failed political has-beens to buy off Texas elected officials.”
The dispute centers on the ongoing standoff over Texas redistricting, a plan backed by President Donald Trump that could add five Republican congressional seats. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers left Texas to break quorum, preventing the state House from moving forward on the measure. The move has already cost each absent member $500 per day in fines, along with travel and living expenses.
According to the Texas Tribune, Powered by People has been among the top funders covering costs for the Democrats, including airfare and logistical support. Paxton alleges the group misled donors about how the money would be used, raising funds under the guise of political campaigning but spending them on personal expenses for lawmakers.
A hearing on Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction is scheduled for Aug. 19. O’Rourke has responded by filing his own lawsuit against Paxton, though details on that case have not yet been released.
