A Texas judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order against Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit, Powered by People, ruling that the group engaged in illegal fundraising to support Democratic lawmakers who left the state to block Republican redistricting efforts.
Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey, a Republican appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2019, stated that O’Rourke’s group had participated in “unlawful fundraising practices” by providing financial support for the lawmakers’ air travel, lodging, logistics, and daily fines. The judge said these actions caused “irreparable harm” to donors who unknowingly contributed to funds being used in violation of state law.
The order prohibits O’Rourke and his nonprofit from continuing to raise money or provide financial assistance to the fleeing Democrats. The ruling followed a petition filed earlier Friday by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.
In response, O’Rourke accused Paxton of attempting to silence his nonprofit, which he said fights for voting rights and free elections. “They want to make examples out of those who fight so that others won’t,” he said, pledging to continue his advocacy and participate in an upcoming rally in Fort Worth.
