Texas judge halts Beto O’Rourke’s fundraising for Democrats

AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order on Friday, halting Beto O’Rourke’s fundraising efforts for Democratic lawmakers.

The decision came after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the former Democratic congressman and his political action committee, accusing them of misleading donors to cover expenses for lawmakers who fled Texas.

RELATED | Judge blocks Beto O’Rourke from funding Texas Democrats fleeing state over redistricting

O’Rourke had been raising funds for Texas Democrats who left the state to block a vote on a redistricting map. The judge’s order prevents him from raising money intended for these lawmakers for 14 days.

RELATED | Texas files complaints to arrest absent Democratic lawmakers in California

In her ruling, the judge stated that the block is “in the public interest.”