- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened a formal investigation into Beto O’Rourke’s group, Powered by People.
- Paxton alleges the organization unlawfully funded Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to block legislation.
- He claims potential violations of bribery laws, campaign finance regulations, and abuse of office.
- Paxton issued a Request to Examine for internal documents and communications related to the matter.
- He warned legal action is coming for Democrats who defy a House return deadline set for Friday.
What We Know
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an official investigation into Powered by People, the political organization led by former Congressman Beto O’Rourke, alleging the group unlawfully funded Democratic legislators who fled the state to block legislative action.
The probe, announced Wednesday, centers on whether O’Rourke’s group engaged in an illegal financial influence scheme — what Paxton has dubbed the “Beto Bribe” — aimed at encouraging Democratic lawmakers to break quorum by leaving Texas in protest.
“Any Democrat coward breaking the law by taking a Beto Bribe will be held accountable,” Paxton said in a public statement. “Texas cannot be bought.”
What They’re Saying
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Paxton reiterated his accusations and vowed accountability for what he described as a coordinated attempt to undermine the legislative process:
BREAKING: I just launched an investigation into Beto O'Rourke's radical group for unlawfully funding runaway Democrats.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 6, 2025
Any Democrat coward breaking the law by taking a Beto Bribe will be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/PV2IdwNOBd
According to the press release from Paxton’s office, the investigation will review communications and financial records to determine whether Powered by People violated state laws on bribery, campaign contributions, coercion of public servants, or abuse of office.
What’s Next
Paxton has issued a “Request to Examine,” compelling the organization to provide internal documents regarding any financial assistance or communications with Texas lawmakers who broke quorum. He also warned that Democrats who fail to return to the Texas House by the Speaker’s Friday deadline could face legal consequences.
The Bottom Line
This high-profile investigation escalates partisan tensions in Texas as the state GOP accuses Democratic legislators of dereliction and O’Rourke’s group of illegal political interference. O’Rourke has not publicly responded to the allegations as of publication time.
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