Texas AG Targets O’Rourke’s PAC in Legal Probe

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Powered by People, a political group founded by former Democratic congressman Beto O’Rourke. The inquiry centers on allegations that the organization financially supported Democratic lawmakers who walked out of the Texas legislature in 2021.

In a recent statement, Paxton claimed “public reports” suggest Powered by People played a key role in funding the Democrats who left the state in an effort to block a Republican-led voting reform bill. The lawmakers’ departure prevented the chamber from reaching a quorum, stalling the legislative process.

The political action committee (PAC) has confirmed its involvement. Speaking to CBS Texas, the organization acknowledged that it raised funds to support the absent lawmakers during their time away from the state. The PAC’s efforts reportedly included covering travel and accommodation costs.

Paxton argues that such financial assistance may breach multiple state laws. Among the allegations are potential violations of Texas bribery statutes, as well as campaign finance rules, coercion of public officials, and abuse of office. His office has not disclosed the full scope of the inquiry but confirmed it is gathering relevant documentation and reviewing the PAC’s fundraising activities.

A spokesperson for O’Rourke’s campaign responded sharply, questioning Paxton’s integrity. Referring to Paxton’s own legal troubles ‘including his impeachment over bribery allegation,’the campaign accused the attorney general of politically motivated actions. “The guy impeached for bribery is going after the folks trying to stop the theft of five Congressional seats,” the statement read.

Powered by People describes itself as a grassroots organization focused on increasing voter registration and mobilizing Democratic voters across Texas. It has played an active role in recent election cycles, backing Democratic candidates and organizing volunteer efforts statewide.

The legal dispute adds another chapter to the longstanding political rivalry between O’Rourke and Texas Republicans. Paxton’s investigation now places O’Rourke’s group under formal scrutiny, raising questions about the legal boundaries of political funding in partisan standoffs.