Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Wednesday that a criminal investigation has been opened into a political organization tied to former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke.
The organization, Powered by People, is under scrutiny for allegedly providing unlawful financial support to Texas Democrats who left the state in a coordinated effort to prevent a redistricting vote.
The investigation centers around claims that Powered by People may have operated an “illegal financial influence scheme” to fund the travel and lodging of Democrat lawmakers, according to a press release from Paxton’s office.
These lawmakers departed the state in order to break quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, a move that effectively halted legislative action on Republican-backed redistricting proposals.
“This type of scheme is not only unethical, it may be criminal,” the press release stated.
“Any Democrat coward breaking the law by taking a Beto Bribe will be held accountable,” Paxton added in a public statement. “Texas cannot be bought.”
As part of the probe, Paxton’s office has issued a formal Request to Examine, requiring Powered by People to produce internal documents and communications related to the financial support of the lawmakers.
The investigation will determine whether any Texas laws were violated,