A Texas judge ruled Friday against former gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit, Powered by People, which has been funding and coordinating with Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block Republican legislation. The lawmakers left to prevent a vote on a GOP-led redistricting plan that could give Republicans five additional congressional seats. With 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats in the Texas House, two-thirds of members must be present to vote, making the absence of dozens of Democrats a critical obstacle.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a criminal investigation into Powered by People, accusing the group of potentially operating “an illegal financial influence scheme” to support the absent lawmakers. Paxton pledged “aggressive” legal action against both the lawmakers and those providing financial support after they defied the House speaker’s deadline to return to Austin on Friday.

According to Paxton’s office, publicly available reports show Powered by People is among several organizations funding hotel stays, air travel, and other logistics for the absent Democrats. ABC News reported that various left-wing activist groups have been covering these expenses, helping the lawmakers remain out of state and block legislative activity.

On Friday, Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order against Powered by People for allegedly engaging in “unlawful fundraising practices.” The ruling claims political contributions were used for personal expenses, which could violate state campaign finance laws and mislead donors.

A spokesperson for Powered by People denied wrongdoing, stating the organization donated only to the Texas House Democratic Caucus, not to individual lawmakers, and solely for collective needs like lodging and transportation.