A Texas judge has ruled against Beto O\u2019Rourke and his nonprofit, Powered by People, in a case brought by Attorney General Ken Paxton. The case involves allegations that the organization illegally raised funds to support Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas in 2021 to block Republican redistricting legislation.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order that prohibits O\u2019Rourke and his group from continuing to raise money or offer financial assistance to those lawmakers. Judge Fahey labeled the group’s fundraising as \u201cunlawful,\u201d stating that donations were used for air travel, lodging, logistics, and to pay fines\u2014potentially violating state law.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsumers have and continue to suffer irreparable harm,\u201d Fahey wrote in her decision, arguing that donors may have unknowingly funded illegal actions. The restraining order was granted just hours after Paxton\u2019s office filed the request and is seen as part of his broader efforts to dismantle Democratic support networks in Texas.<\/p>\n
In response, O\u2019Rourke, a former congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, criticized Paxton\u2019s actions as politically motivated. He accused the attorney general of attempting to silence opposition and undermine efforts to defend voting rights in Texas. O\u2019Rourke said, \u201cThis is the kind of work that threatens the hold that Paxton, Trump, and Abbott have on power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paxton celebrated the ruling on X, claiming victory and calling the group’s actions deceptive. He also announced a separate investigation into Texas Majority PAC, another organization accused of supporting the lawmakers, referring to the case as a win against \u201cBeto Bribes.\u201d<\/p>\n