A Texas judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order against former congressman Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit, Powered by People, after state Attorney General Ken Paxton accused them of illegally raising funds to aid Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP redistricting legislation.
Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey ruled that O’Rourke’s group engaged in “unlawful fundraising practices” to support the Democrats, including covering air travel, lodging, logistics, and daily fines. The order bars O’Rourke and his organization from soliciting donations or providing financial support related to the incident.
Court Ruling Sides With Paxton
In her decision, Fahey wrote that O’Rourke’s fundraising was being used for “personal expenses” in violation of Texas law, causing “irreparable harm” to contributors. The ruling came just hours after Paxton’s office petitioned for the restraining order.
Fahey, a Republican appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2019, agreed with Paxton’s claim that the funds enabled lawmakers to break the law by fleeing to avoid a vote.
O’Rourke Pushes Back
O’Rourke issued a statement accusing Paxton of targeting his group because of its work on “voting rights and free