Judge Blocks O’Rourke PAC in Texas Redistricting Fight

A Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order barring Beto O'Rourke and his political group, Powered by People, from financially supporting Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to block a Republican redistricting plan that could add up to five GOP congressional seats. The order, granted by Judge Megan Fahey, follows a lawsuit from Attorney General Ken Paxton, who accused O'Rourke's group of deceptive fundraising and bribery by covering lawmakers' travel and lodging in violation of state law. Paxton praised the order as a win against a 'deceptive financial influence scheme' designed to subvert Texas's constitutional process. O'Rourke has denied wrongdoing, calling the lawsuit an effort to silence dissent and entrench Republican power, and has pledged to continue fighting, including filing a countersuit. The Democratic lawmakers who left now face mounting personal costs and fines. The restraining order will last at least two weeks, with a hearing scheduled for August 19.