Texas Judge Blocks Beto O’Rourke’s Group From Sending Funds to Out-of-State Democrats
Restraining Order Expanded Against Powered by People
A Texas judge has expanded a restraining order against former congressman Beto O’Rourke and his political group, Powered by People, over campaign funds sent to Democratic lawmakers outside the state.
The ruling comes after the group raised money in support of Texas Democratic legislators who fled the state in 2021 to block a controversial vote on congressional redistricting.
The Controversy: Funds for Lawmakers Who Left Texas
In 2021, several Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum and delay Republican efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps. During this time, O’Rourke’s group helped fundraise to support them.
Now, Judge Megan Fahey of Tarrant County has ordered that neither O’Rourke nor his organization can direct those funds to Democrats outside Texas.
Who Is Judge Megan Fahey?
Judge Fahey, who signed the latest four-page order on Saturday, has a clear conservative background. She’s a member of the Federalist Society and previously served as president of the Fort Worth Republican Women’s Club.
Her affiliations have drawn attention, especially among critics who see this legal move as politically motivated. Still, the order now carries legal weight—further restricting O’Rourke’s influence over fundraising channels related to Democratic campaigns.
What the Order Says
The expanded restraining order bars the transfer of funds raised through O’Rourke’s group to any Democratic lawmakers or affiliates outside the state of Texas. While the full details of the court’s reasoning weren’t immediately made public, the core issue remains the legality of raising and distributing funds across state lines during an active legislative boycott.
What’s Next for O’Rourke and Powered by People?
It’s unclear whether O’Rourke and his group plan to challenge the order. The ruling may have broader implications for how political organizations can support lawmakers engaged in high-profile protests or walkouts.
For now, though, O’Rourke’s fundraising machine has hit a legal wall in Texas—and it could affect similar political organizing efforts in the future.
