A judge in Tarrant County has extended a restraining order against former Representative Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) and his political organizations, stemming from a challenge by Ken Paxton, the former Texas Attorney General.
The ruling bars O’Rourke and his group from transferring funds from the only state, following Paxton’s move to revoke O’Rourke’s charter.
The judge stated that the potential harm to the state was significant and that without this order, the state could face irreversible injury. Specifically, the ruling cites actions that could be seen as false, misleading, or deceptive under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Financial entities and political fundraising platforms, such as ActBlue, are now prohibited from moving funds related to O’Rourke or donating to certain political committees to avoid participating in what has been labeled as “illegal schemes.”
O’Rourke had recently been a focus for Paxton as political action committees raised funds for Texas legislators. He had spent nearly two weeks outside of Texas to prevent the passage of a new political map favorable to Republicans. As of Friday afternoon, Texas Republicans have managed to secure their funding during a second special session. It’s expected that the Democrats will be returning to Texas soon.
Previously, a Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order against O’Rourke and his political entities after accusations from the Attorney General that the PAC misled donors.
On Saturday, O’Rourke remarked on the situation, mentioning the importance of solidarity during special sessions, including the involvement of various legislative caucuses in Texas.
In response, Paxton welcomed the judge’s decision, stating that a lack of order has led to consequences for O’Rourke. He emphasized that attempts to channel funds to those deemed “illicit” outside of Texas have been curtailed, with the court effectively freezing O’Rourke’s ability to continue those actions. Paxton further claimed that those involved in what he termed a conspiracy against Texans would face the full force of the law, focusing on O’Rourke in particular.
