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.
“The defendants have engaged 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 contravene [the law],” Fahey stated in her ruling. “Consumers have suffered 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 violate state law.”
Fahey’s order prohibits O’Rourke and his team from continuing to raise funds or offer 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.