Fort Worth, TX – A Texas judge has temporarily halted fundraising efforts by Beto O’Rourke’s political nonprofit after the state’s attorney general accused the group of illegally financing Democratic legislators who left Texas to block a Republican-led redistricting plan.
On Friday evening, Judge Megan Fahey of Tarrant County granted a temporary restraining order against O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, following a petition filed earlier that day by Attorney General Ken Paxton. The order prevents the group from continuing to solicit donations or provide financial support related to the Democratic lawmakers’ absence.
The case is tied to a high-profile political standoff in the state legislature, where Democratic lawmakers left Texas to deny Republicans the quorum needed to advance a redistricting bill. According to Paxton’s filing, O’Rourke’s group allegedly helped pay for airfare, lodging, transportation, and even daily fines imposed on lawmakers who skipped the session.
In her ruling, Judge Fahey – appointed in 2019 by Republican Governor Greg Abbott – wrote that O’Rourke’s nonprofit had engaged in “unlawful fundraising practices” that violated or caused others to violate state law.
“Consumers have and continue to suffer irreparable harm through these unlawful acts because they are making political contributions that are being used to fund personal expenses and violate state law,” Fahey stated in the court order.
The restraining order will remain in effect until a full hearing is held, where both sides will present their arguments.
Political Tensions Flare
O’Rourke, a former congressman, Senate candidate, and 2020 Democratic presidential contender, issued a statement sharply criticizing Paxton’s actions.
“They want to make examples out of those who fight so that others won’t,” O’Rourke said. “Paxton’s filed a restraining order to try to take us out of the fight. He wants to silence me, stop me from leading this organization, and prevent us from fighting Trump’s attempt to seize the five congressional seats he needs to hold power. But I’m not going anywhere.”
He also vowed to address supporters at a rally in Fort Worth the following day, framing the lawsuit as an effort to intimidate grassroots activists who campaign for voting rights.
Paxton, who has often clashed with Democrats on election-related issues, offered a terse response on social media:
“Cry more, lib. You lost in court because you’re breaking the law and deceiving Texans. We absolutely will make an example out of lawbreakers.”
Background on the Dispute
The walkout by Democratic lawmakers is part of a recurring tactic in Texas politics. In both 2021 and 2025, members of the minority party left the state in protest of Republican-backed bills—often tied to elections, redistricting, or voting procedures—arguing they would undermine fair representation.
Republicans contend that leaving the state to block legislation disrupts the democratic process and violates lawmakers’ responsibilities to their constituents. Paxton’s office maintains that funding such absences with political donations crosses a legal line, especially when the money is used for personal expenses like travel and lodging.
Powered by People, founded by O’Rourke after his 2018 Senate campaign, focuses on voter outreach and mobilization. The group has played an active role in recruiting volunteers, organizing rallies, and raising money for Democratic candidates and causes in Texas.
The temporary restraining order is the latest chapter in an intensifying battle between Texas Republicans and prominent Democratic figures over how the state’s political system should function—and how far lawmakers and activists can go in challenging legislative outcomes.
