Fort Worth, Texas – A Texas district court has temporarily shut down fundraising efforts by a nonprofit founded by former Democratic congressman and presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, following accusations from the state’s attorney general that the group illegally financed Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block Republican legislation.
On Friday evening, Judge Megan Fahey of Tarrant County granted a temporary restraining order against O’Rourke’s organization, Powered by People, after reviewing a petition filed earlier that day by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The order halts the group from raising money or offering financial assistance connected to the lawmakers’ departure.
The case stems from a political showdown in Austin, where dozens of Democratic state legislators left Texas to prevent the Republican-controlled legislature from passing a controversial redistricting plan. According to Paxton’s office, Powered by People allegedly provided funding for the lawmakers’ airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, and even daily fines levied against them for skipping the legislative session.
In her ruling, Judge Fahey – a Republican appointee of Governor Greg Abbott – wrote that the defendants had engaged in “unlawful fundraising practices” that either directly violated Texas law or caused Democratic lawmakers to break it.
“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,” the order stated.
The restraining order effectively freezes O’Rourke’s group from continuing its support for the lawmakers while the legal battle moves forward.
Political Stakes and Fierce Words
O’Rourke, who has remained a high-profile figure in Texas politics since his 2018 Senate bid against Ted Cruz, issued a fiery statement following the court’s decision. He accused Paxton of using the legal system to intimidate and silence those advocating for voting rights.
“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 stop us from fighting Trump’s attempt to steal the five congressional seats he needs to hang on to power. But I’m not going anywhere.”
O’Rourke also vowed to speak at a planned rally in Fort Worth the following day, calling it part of his effort to “stop the power grab” in Texas politics.
Paxton, in a brief but pointed response on social media, dismissed O’Rourke’s objections:
“Cry more, lib. You lost in court because you’re breaking the law and deceiving Texans. We absolutely will make an example out of law breakers.”
The Broader Conflict
The legal clash reflects deep partisan divisions in Texas over election laws, redistricting, and the limits of political protest. In 2021 and again in 2025, Democratic lawmakers used the tactic of leaving the state to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass certain bills. While Republicans argue such actions undermine the democratic process, Democrats contend they are exercising the only leverage available to protect voting rights and fair representation.
For Paxton’s office, the lawsuit represents an effort to close off what they view as an illegal channel of outside financial support for lawmakers evading legislative duties. For O’Rourke and his supporters, it is an attempt to silence political opposition and stifle grassroots activism.
The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until a full hearing can be held, where both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments.