Attorney General Ken Paxton has escalated his legal fight against Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke, filing an amended petition to strip the corporate charter of his group Powered by People.
Paxton says the organization been deceptively fundraising and doling out “Beto Bribes” to Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to break quorum.
“Robert and his unlawful influence scheme, Powered by People, have deceived donors, bought off Texas politicians, and unlawfully assisted runaway Democrats in avoiding arrest,” Paxton said Friday. “As much as Robert and the sell-out Democrats might wish to ignore them, we do have laws that must be followed. I have asked the court to enforce its previous TRO, throw Beto behind bars, and revoke Powered by People’s charter for its unlawful conduct. There must be consequences.”
Paxton first sued O’Rourke and Powered by People last week, accusing them of misleading donors by soliciting money through ActBlue under the guise of supporting Democrats’ political fight, while using the funds for personal expenses such as private jets, luxury hotels, and dining. That same day, a Tarrant County court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting such fundraising.
According to Paxton, O’Rourke defied the order less than 24 hours later at a Fort Worth rally, telling the crowd, “there are no refs in this game, f*** the rules,” while directing them to donate via the same ActBlue link cited in the lawsuit. The attorney general responded with a motion for contempt, seeking fines and jail time.
The new filing adds a quo warranto claim, asking the court to terminate Powered by People’s authority to do business in Texas for violating criminal laws, including felony bribery and hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.
Paxton’s office says the group’s actions have “brought the Texas House of Representatives to a legislative standstill” and obstructed the state’s ability to address major policy priorities.
A hearing on the case is set for later this month. As of publication, O’Rourke has not commented on the latest development.
