Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Wednesday that his office has opened a criminal investigation into the political organization Powered by People, which is associated with former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke. The probe is centered on allegations that the group provided illegal financial assistance to Texas Democrats who left the state in a bid to block a vote on redistricting.
The controversy began when dozens of Texas House Democrats fled the state, a strategic move designed to break quorum and prevent the passage of a Republican-backed redistricting plan. According to Paxton's office, Powered by People may have engaged in an "illegal financial influence scheme" by funding the travel and lodging expenses of these lawmakers, potentially violating state laws related to bribery, coercion of public servants, and abuse of office.
In a press release, Paxton's office outlined the investigation's scope, stating, “This type of scheme is not only unethical, it may be criminal.” Paxton further emphasized the gravity of the situation with a stern warning: “Any Democrat coward breaking the law by taking a Beto Bribe will be held accountable. Texas cannot be bought.”
To facilitate the investigation, a formal Request to Examine has been issued to Powered by People, demanding the organization produce internal documents and communications concerning the financial support of the lawmakers.
The walkout by Texas Democrats has historical precedence, with similar actions taken in 2003 and 2021 to delay legislative votes. However, this recent instance has attracted significant attention due to the involvement of Powered by People. ABC News reported that the organization, which focuses on voter registration and mobilization, contributed funds to the Texas House Democratic Caucus to cover general expenses, such as lodging and transportation.
Despite the group's claim that the donations were for the caucus and not individual legislators, Paxton's office maintains that the financial backing could still constitute a criminal violation. The investigation will scrutinize the extent of the organization's involvement and whether any Texas laws have been breached.
During their absence, the Democrat lawmakers reportedly coordinated with Democratic governors, including Illinois Governor J.D. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Many incurred travel and lodging costs paid for by outside groups, including Powered by People. O'Rourke, who has been in frequent contact with the lawmakers, expressed solidarity, stating, “We will have the backs of these heroic state lawmakers for as long as it takes to stop Trump’s power grab.”
Paxton, a Republican, has taken a firm stance against the absent lawmakers, not only launching the investigation but also seeking court intervention to declare their seats vacant, potentially leading to special elections.
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has given the absent members until Friday, August 8, to return to the state. Failure to comply could prompt Republican leadership to initiate legal proceedings to declare their seats vacant. Texas law empowers the House sergeant-at-arms and the Department of Public Safety to compel the return of lawmakers within the state, although the lawmakers' departure from Texas complicates enforcement.
Paxton has committed to a comprehensive review of all relevant communications and financial transactions, asserting, “These jet-setting runaways have already lost public trust by abandoning our state. Texans deserve to know if they received illegal bribes to do it.”
