Paxton Takes Action Against O’Rourke’s Fundraising Activities

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Tuesday that he is pursuing allegations against former Democrat Representative Robert “Beto” O’Rourke regarding illegal fundraising activities.

In a press release, Paxton stated that O’Rourke had violated a temporary restraining order imposed by a judge. This order was intended to prevent him from fundraising for Democrats who had left Texas amid redistricting efforts within the state. Paxton argues that O’Rourke, who has run unsuccessfully for various offices, “continues to pay personal expenses for runaway Democrats,” thereby flouting the court’s order.

Last Friday, Paxton filed a lawsuit against O’Rourke and his organization, claiming they operated a “misleading financial impact scheme” aimed at bribing Democrats who had broken quorum in response to Texas Republicans’ efforts to redraw legislative maps. A judge in Tarrant County granted Paxton’s request for a temporary restraining order, which halted O’Rourke’s fundraising activities shortly after the petition was filed, as reported.

Paxton commented, “I beat him in court, but now he thinks he’s above the law. I’m working to hold him accountable. His blatant violation of a court order is serious and intentional. Ignoring the rule of law has consequences in Texas.”

Paxton also stated on social media: “I am taking action to hold O’Rourke accountable for violating court orders and defrauding Texans.” He emphasized that the consequences of ignoring legal rulings would not be taken lightly in Texas.

O’Rourke, who represented Texas’ 16th Congressional District from 2013 to 2019, is known for his unsuccessful campaigns against Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott. He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and made headlines for his stance on gun control.

Additionally, O’Rourke’s organization, Powered by People, had not provided an immediate comment in response to inquiries regarding the situation.