Judge Halts Beto O’Rourke’s Funding Scheme for AWOL Texas Democrats

A Texas court has stepped in to block former Democratic congressman Beto O’Rourke’s latest political stunt funneling money to state legislators who fled Texas rather than do their jobs.

Late Friday, Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order stopping O’Rourke’s nonprofit “Powered by People” from bankrolling the travel, hotel stays, and fines of the more than 50 Democratic lawmakers hiding out in states like California and Illinois. The group skipped town to avoid voting on a Republican-backed redistricting plan, abandoning the special legislative session entirely.

Judge Fahey’s ruling pulled no punches, stating that the fundraising was “unlawful” and allowed legislators to continue violating the law. Contributions, she noted, were being used for personal expenses in direct contradiction of Texas statutes.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, who brought the case earlier that day, celebrated the swift court action:

• Accused O’Rourke of bribing legislators to derail the democratic process.

• Declared his intent to make “an example out of law breakers.”

• Warned other political operatives that similar schemes would face legal consequences.

Paxton’s blunt statement after the ruling “Cry more, lib” underscored his view that O’Rourke’s maneuver wasn’t just desperate but illegal.

O’Rourke, who has failed in successive campaigns for U.S. Senate and president, painted himself as a victim, claiming Texas Republicans were “afraid” of his activism. He vowed to continue his campaign rhetoric, accusing Paxton of trying to “silence” him, and announced plans to speak at a rally against what he calls a “power grab.”

While Democrats frame their flight as a principled protest, the numbers paint a different picture: Texas taxpayers still foot the bill for the frozen legislature, and the lawmakers’ absence stalls action on urgent issues like border security and education funding. According to state records, their ongoing fines already topping six figures collectively are meant to deter exactly this type of political obstruction.

The court’s decision not only halts O’Rourke’s funding pipeline but also signals the start of a broader crackdown. Paxton has already launched an investigation into another group aiding the AWOL Democrats, Texas Majority PAC, suggesting that more legal action could follow.

Texas Republicans aren’t backing down and now, with the courts on their side, runaway lawmakers and their donors may find that skipping work in the Lone Star State comes with a steep price.

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