1:52Beto O’Rourke addresses attendees during a rally opposing redistricting hearings at the Texas Capitol, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)Eric Gay/AP
Former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke’s political action committee, Powered by People, has played a significant role in funding Texas Democrats in their efforts to leave the state in an attempt to stop Republicans from enacting a new Congressional map that they consider unfair.
Powered by People, an organization focused on voter registration and mobilization, has been providing financial support to the Texas House Democratic Caucus — not to individual members or for specific expenses — to assist with initial costs for the group, such as accommodation and travel, as informed by an O’Rourke spokesperson to ABC News.
Beto O’Rourke addresses attendees during a rally opposing redistricting hearings at the Texas Capitol, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)Eric Gay/AP
O’Rourke has maintained regular communication with House Democrats following President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Texas Republicans adjust five congressional districts to their advantage. Since Trump’s announcement, Powered by People has been reserving funds, and O’Rourke reassured the caucus in the weeks prior to the potential vote that should they choose to leave the state, they would have his backing, both in words and financial support.
"We will support these brave state lawmakers for as long as necessary to thwart Trump’s power grab," O’Rourke stated in a message to ABC News.
O’Rourke has been voicing concerns about the implications of the new maps — and the expense involved in countering them — as he travels the nation on his town hall tour. The former candidate for president, governor, and senator made a plea for donations during his event on Monday night in Kansas City and did likewise on Tuesday in Omaha.
The O’Rourke spokesperson noted that O’Rourke’s donor base extends back to his 2018 Senate campaign and mentioned that the group intends to disclose the amount they have managed to raise to support the quorum break initiatives at some point.
These funds are crucial as members face the threat of arrest and removal. Numerous members are accruing expenses from their travels to stay outside of state lines to avoid being apprehended by state authorities for at least the next two weeks, potentially longer, until the conclusion of this special session.
While they may need to endure significantly longer, as Governor Greg Abbott might call for another session shortly thereafter. Members also risk incurring substantial legal fees if Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s punitive threats increase.
A representative for the House Democratic Caucus informed ABC News that "members are extremely appreciative of the overwhelming support from citizens throughout Texas and the nation who stand with them."
They also emphasized that the undertaking is being funded legally.
Abbott has instructed the Texas Rangers to investigate Democratic members for "potential bribery and any other possible legal infractions" related to their out-of-state trips.
"Every expense for this endeavor is being lawfully covered," the spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus asserted, while accusing Paxton of corruption instead.
"Texans recognize what true political corruption resembles. They witnessed it when Ken Paxton accepted million-dollar 'gifts' to evade the repercussions of his criminal charges and manipulate his impeachment trial," the spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus added.
Paxton was impeached in May 2023 on allegations of misusing his authority to benefit a friend and donor. He refuted all the claims, labeling them as a partisan "sham."
He described the subsequent impeachment process as an "ugly spectacle," asserting that it was "never intended to be fair or just." The Texas Senate acquitted Paxton in September 2023.
House regulations prohibit members from utilizing campaign funds to pay for a $500-per-day penalty for
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
