Judge Issues Restraining Order Against Texas Nonprofit For Helping AWOL Dems
On Friday, a judge in Texas ruled against Beto O’Rourke and his nonprofit organization in a case initiated by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who accused them of unlawfully raising funds to assist Democratic lawmakers that left the state to obstruct GOP redistricting legislation.
Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order on Friday evening against O’Rourke, a former congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, along with his organization, Powered by People, regarding what she described as “unlawful fundraising practices” associated with efforts to support Texas Democrats who departed the state — which included financing air travel, accommodation, logistics, and daily fines, as reported by Fox News.
In her ruling, Fahey stated, “Defendants have and will continue to engage in unlawful fundraising practices and the use of political funds in a manner that either directly contravenes or compels Texas Democratic Legislators to violate [the law].” She added, “Consumers have and continue to suffer irreparable harm due to these unlawful actions as they are making political contributions that are being utilized to cover personal expenses and breach state law.”
Fahey’s order prohibits O’Rourke and his organization from further fundraising or providing financial assistance to the Democrats who are fleeing. This ruling was issued just hours after Paxton’s office submitted a petition for the restraining order.
Fahey, a Republican, was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2019.
Following the ruling, O’Rourke released a statement accusing Paxton of attempting to dismantle his nonprofit “because our volunteers advocate for voting rights and free elections,” characterizing it as “the type of work that threatens the grip that Paxton, Trump, and Abbott have on power in Texas.”
“They aim to set examples of those who resist, discouraging others from doing the same,” O’Rourke stated. “Currently, Paxton has submitted a restraining order in an effort to remove us from the struggle. His intention is to silence me and prevent me from guiding this organization. He seeks to hinder our efforts against Trump’s endeavor to seize the five congressional seats essential for maintaining his power. However, I have no intention of backing down. I intend to address our rally aimed at halting the power grab in Fort Worth tomorrow afternoon.”]} Assistant to=Json ## to_json {
They want to make examples out of those who fight so that others won’t.
Paxton is trying to shut down Powered by People, one of the largest voter registration organizations in the country, because our volunteers fight for voting rights and free elections… the kind of work that…— Beto O’Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 8, 2025
“Shed more tears, liberal,” Paxton remarked in reply. “You were defeated in court due to your unlawful actions and your deceit towards Texans. We will certainly set a precedent for those who violate the law.”
Cry more, lib.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 8, 2025
You lost in court because you're breaking the law and deceiving Texans. We absolutely will make an example out of law breakers. https://t.co/zDc15Q4ghe
In conjunction with the Powered by People case, Paxton initiated an inquiry into the Texas Majority PAC, which has similarly been alleged to be a significant financial supporter of the Democrats who departed the state.
O’Rourke submitted his own lawsuit against Paxton in the El Paso district court on Friday, as reported by The Texas Tribune. O’Rourke charged Paxton with conducting a “fishing expedition” and requested that a judge prevent the investigation into the operations of his nonprofit.
Paxton expressed his satisfaction with the ruling through a post on X.
BREAKING: I just defeated Beto O’Rourke in court.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 8, 2025
We secured a major victory stopping runaway Democrats from taking "Beto Bribes" and preventing deceptive fundraising.
They told me to "come and take it," so I did. pic.twitter.com/PM3L4pNqqG
BREAKING: I have just won a court case against Beto O’Rourke. We achieved a significant victory in halting the actions of runaway Democrats who were attempting to accept ‘Beto Bribes’ and engaging in misleading fundraising practices. They challenged me to “come and take it,” and I did,” stated the Texas attorney general.