Investigation Launched into Beto O’Rourke’s Group
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an inquiry on Wednesday into possible “illegal activities” tied to former Congressman Beto O’Rourke’s political group, coinciding with state Democrats’ departure from the capital amid a Republican initiative.
Paxton is examining whether O’Rourke’s political action committee, established in 2019, may have violated bribery laws by financially supporting over 50 Texas House Democrats who disrupted special legislative sessions by leaving the state.
“A Democrat who breaks the law by accepting Beto’s bribes will be held accountable,” Paxton stated. “Texas cannot be bought, and we expect a comprehensive review of all documents and communications related to this investigation.”
Paxton further expressed that these Democrats, known for their absence, have eroded public trust. “Texans deserve to know if they were swayed by illegal bribery to abandon our state,” he added.
At the end of June, O’Rourke’s organization reported having $3.5 million in cash, which reportedly covered travel expenses and logistics for the absent officials.
In 2021, Texas Democrats similarly attempted to stall new voting laws by leaving the capital, an effort that garnered public support at the time.
O’Rourke responded to the investigation on X, recalling Paxton’s previous bribery scandal, from which he was acquitted in 2023. “The man who faced accusations of bribery is now targeting those trying to prevent the theft of five capitols,” O’Rourke wrote.
During an interview with CNN, when questioned about his group’s fundraising approach, O’Rourke insisted it was “absolutely” necessary. He warned that failing to act would give rise to “authoritarian power” in America, potentially paving the way for Trump’s third term with additional Republican seats in the House by the mid-term elections of 2026.
O’Rourke maintained that the Democrats in hiding were confident in their ability to “hold out long enough to thwart this steal in Texas.”
As part of the investigation, Paxton has requested relevant documents and communications from various groups concerning potential illegal activities.
