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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating two political action committees for potentially breaking the law by aiding Texas state Democrats in leaving the state to avoid a quorum during a redistricting dispute.
The groups in question are the Powered by People PAC, led by former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, and the Texas Majority PAC, led by members of his former staff.
“Any Democrat who breaks the law by accepting a Beto Bribe will face consequences,” Paxton stated in a news release on Wednesday.
O’Rourke, who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, lost to Sen. Ted Cruz in a closely-watched 2018 race, and lost to Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022. Despite these losses, he remains a prominent figure in Texas politics.
A side-by-side of George Soros and Beto O’Rourke. Soros is a major backer of the Texas Majority PAC, and O’Rourke is the leader of the Powered by People PAC, which is assisting Democrats in the state during a redistricting battle. (Getty Images)
“Texas cannot be bought. I am eager to thoroughly examine all documents and communications obtained during this investigation. These lawmakers who fled the state have already lost public trust by abandoning their responsibilities, and Texans deserve to know if they were offered illegal bribes to do so,” Paxton continued.
Public records show that the Powered by People PAC receives a significant amount of smaller donations from individuals through platforms like ActBlue, but it has also received substantial sums from the progressive consulting firm Middle Seat, as well as $100,000 from Simone Coxe, a nonprofit leader who was a major donor to O’Rourke’s gubernatorial campaign, according to the Texas Tribune. Additionally, FEC records indicate that the Harris Victory Fund contributed over $114,000 in January 2024 and $60,000 in December 2023.
In 2024, the PAC also received a little over $5,000 from Luci Baines Johnson, the daughter of former President Lyndon Johnson.
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke speaks at a primary election gathering in Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
According to the Texas Tribune, the PAC has admitted to helping lawmakers with travel outside of the state, including covering $500 daily fines.
“100% of your donation will go towards supporting Texas Democrats in their fight against Trump’s power grab,” the website previously reported by Fox News Digital stated.
The PAC reported having over $3.5 million in cash on hand as of June 30, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Texas Democrats stood alongside Illinois lawmakers on Aug. 4, 2025, to oppose redistricting proposals put forth by Texas Republicans. (Fox News)
Regarding the Texas Majority PAC, it receives significant funding from George Soros, a well-known Democratic donor.
“If Texas lawmakers are prioritizing the Soros Slush Fund over the voters’ will, Texans deserve to be informed. Receiving secret financial incentives to neglect legislative duties amounts to bribery,” Paxton stated in a Thursday announcement. “The actions of the Texas Majority PAC suggest possible misuse of Soros-funded resources to violate the law and finance the improper abandonment of public office. If this is confirmed by the investigation, there will be serious consequences.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Powered by People PAC and the Texas Majority PAC for comments on the Paxton investigation. O’Rourke responded to a statement from Paxton on Wednesday, accusing the Democrat of being “afraid of accountability.”
“Afraid? If we put an end to the Texas steal and win the House, your guy’s crimes and corruption will be exposed for all to see. The deals made with Epstein. The bribes taken from foreign governments. And when he falls, your corrupt, impeached, twice-indicted self will fall with him!” O’Rourke replied on X.
