Aug 6, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Paxton investigates O'Rourke-led group over Texas Democrats' funding

Rebecca Falconer

Democrat Beto O'Rourke, wearing alight blue shirt, speaking at a podium with "FIGHT THE TRUMP" sign, pointing his finger. Several people stand behind him, including a woman in blue and a man in a tie, outdoors with trees. — Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks alongside elected officials at a rally before a public hearing on the proposed Texas congressional redistricting on July 26 in Houston. Photo: Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is investigating a political group led by former presidential candidate and Rep. Beto O'Rourke to see whether its funding of Democrats who fled the state Sunday over a redistricting vote is illegal, his office announced Wednesday.

Why it matters: Paxton's investigation into whether the O'Rourke-led Powered by People might have violated bribery laws marks the latest escalation in Republicans' response to the quorum-busting Texas Democrats.

O'Rourke indicated in social media posts that he's undeterred by the probe.

Driving the news: Paxton's office, in a statement, noted reports saying Powered by People has been "one of the top groups bankrolling" the Texas House Democrats.

"By providing these liberal lawmakers with the funds to flee the state, Powered by People may have violated bribery laws," the statement added.
"Powered by People and the runaway Democrats may have also violated other Texas laws, including, but not limited to, those governing campaign or officeholder contributions and expenditures, coercion of a public servant, and abuse of office."

What they're saying: Funds raised by Powered by People have gone to the Texas House Democratic Caucus to use toward costs that include accommodations and transportation. Nothing is going directly to the state House members, an O'Rourke spokesperson told ABC News.

The voter registration and mobilization group plans to publicly disclose details of its fundraising efforts for the Texas Democrats, the spokesperson added.
O'Rourke in posts to social media seeking to raise more money for Powered by People noted that Paxton, who was acquitted of corruption impeachment charges by the Texas Senate last year, had been impeached by the state House.
He appealed for more funds during a rally in Oklahoma City that started after Paxton announced the investigation.

State of play: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has filed a lawsuit seeking to remove state Rep. Gene Wu, the Texas House Democratic Caucus chair, from office after he refused to return to Austin. President Trump has said the FBI "may have to" help locate or arrest the absent Democrats.

Axios Houston's Shafaq Patel notes the Democrats appear undeterred by these and other threats, including possible political backlash and fines, as they use every tool left to block a redistricting plan that could lock in a Republican advantage in the House for years.

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Paxton investigates O'Rourke-led group over Texas Democrats' funding

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