Paxton Sues O'Rourke, Seeks Removal of Democrats

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and his political group, Powered by People, alleging unlawful fundraising and bribery to aid Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to block a GOP-led redistricting plan. Paxton asserts that O’Rourke’s group misled donors by directing political contributions toward the personal expenses of absent Democrats, in violation of Texas law. He is seeking a restraining order to halt the group's fundraising and has petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to vacate the seats of 13 Democratic House members who joined the walkout. Republican leaders are intensifying efforts to compel the Democrats' return, including seeking assistance from the FBI and threatening removal from office. O’Rourke has filed a countersuit against Paxton, while Democrats argue their protest is necessary to represent constituents opposed to a redistricting plan that could increase Republican representation in Congress. The legal and political standoff remains unresolved as tensions escalate.