Temporary Restraining Order Against Beto O’Rourke

A judge from a Texas District Court has granted a temporary restraining order against Robert Francis, more commonly known as “Beto” O’Rourke. This decision was made to halt what Attorney General Ken Paxton has labeled a misleading financial strategy aimed at supporting Democrats who have left Texas. This ruling came during a special session called by Governor Greg Abbott.

Judge Megan Fahey of the 348th Judicial District Court stated in her order that if this restraining order were not issued, it would lead to significant harm to the state. She highlighted that O’Rourke’s fundraising tactics could be seen as false or misleading under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act as well as other state laws.

After filing a lawsuit, Paxton remarked:

Democrats might be taking bribes from Beto while embarking on extravagant travels, all while raising funds under misleading pretenses to cover personal expenses. This out-of-state initiative seems to ignore constitutional duties. I will not allow anyone, particularly failed political figures, to purchase Texas officials. I look forward to our court proceedings, Beto.

Following the restraining order’s issuance, Attorney General Paxton declared a victory. He stated, “The funding from Beto aimed at the runaway Democrats has now been officially halted. I believe Robert (O’Rourke) thinks he can buy Texas. Today, my focus has been to stop his deceptive financial approach, which misleads donors and undermines constitutional integrity.”

Earlier on the same day, Paxton’s office also filed a lawsuit against O’Rourke and his political organization. In this filing, he noted:

Today, I’ve taken action against O’Rourke for deliberately misleading fundraising intended to support Democrats’ personal costs, all while cloaking it as political funding. He has intentionally obscured the difference, aiming to exploit uninformed contributors by directing them to a platform designed for political fundraising, with a clear intent to use these funds for what could be interpreted as personal expenses.

Judge Fahey, after consultations with both parties’ attorneys, issued the following order:

The court enforces a temporary restraining order that prevents the defendant from:

• Using political funds for inappropriate, illegal, or non-political purposes, like financing unsuccessful Texas legislators during special sessions called by the governor.
• Raising funds for non-political reasons, such as out-of-state travel or accommodations intended for Texas legislators.
• Granting any kind of financial help for travel or accommodations to Texas legislators during special sessions, especially when they are supposed to fulfill constitutional obligations.
• Removing any property or funds from Texas while this lawsuit is ongoing.

Judge Fahey noted that this order will remain valid for 14 days after its issuance or until further agreement is reached, or until it is revoked by the court.

The judge has scheduled a hearing for the state’s request for a temporary injunction for 10 AM CDT on August 19, 2025, in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.