Texas Attorney General launches probe into former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke over allegations he is helping finance the exodus of state lawmakers from the state who are trying to halt GOP redistricting efforts. (Getty Images)
The report followed a warning issued by Abbott, indicating the fleeing state lawmakers could potentially be in felonious territory if they solicit, accept or agree to accept funds "to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote."
"Any Democrat coward breaking the law by taking a Beto Bribe will be held accountable," Paxton said in a press release announcing the probe Wednesday. "Texas cannot be bought."
In Paxton's announcement, he charged Powered by People with being one of the "top groups" providing financial assistance to Texas House Democrats who have left the state in order to obstruct Republicans' redistricting efforts, which they claim is essential to ensure racial gerrymandering is not taking place.
According to Paxton, the financial assistance could amount to a violation of Texas bribery laws and potentially other laws governing campaign finance, "coercion of a public servant, and abuse of office."
In response to the investigation, O'Rourke described Republicans in Texas as "thugs" attempting to "steal our country," and accused Paxton of bribery himself. In 2023, the Texas state Senate acquitted Paxton of 16 articles of impeachment accusing Paxton of corruption and bribery.
"The guy impeached for bribery is going after the folks trying to stop the theft of five Congressional seats," O'Rourke said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "I encourage everyone to text FIGHT to 20377. Let’s stop these thugs before they steal our country."
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (L) and Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (R) listen as Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu speaks to reporters during a press conference at the DuPage County Democratic Party headquarters on August 03, 2025 in Carol Stream, Illinois. Wu was with a group of Democratic Texas lawmakers who left the state earlier today so a quorum could not be reached during a special session called to redistrict the state. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
During a CNN interview Wednesday, O'Rourke was asked point-blank why he was helping Democrats flee Texas.
"We could see a similar scenario this time around. Is it worth it?" CNN anchor Pamela Brown asked in reference to O'Rourke's 2021 efforts to obstruct Texas legislative proceedings.
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"Absolutely," O’Rourke responded. "If we fail, the consolidation of authoritarian power in America will be nearly unstoppable."
But Brown challenged O’Rourke on whether the funds might be "better spent" aiding vulnerable Texans instead.
"We've seen it in the past—they flee, but then inevitably they have to come back, right? You can't just stay out in perpetuity, and the governor can continue to call these special sessions," Brown said. "Do you think the money could be better spent helping those folks you mentioned?"
"I actually believe that they can stay out long enough to stop this steal in Texas," O'Rourke responded.
Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Kristine Parks contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/awol-dems-flight-from-texas-may-have-been-funded-illegally-beto-orourke-nonprofit