Texas Democrats, who have left the state to block a Republican-led redistricting vote, are receiving significant financial support from George Soros-backed groups and Beto O’Rourke’s organization. The 50 Democrats who have departed for New York and Illinois are being funded to cover their expenses, including airfare, lodging, and fines. This situation has ignited legal and political debates regarding the use of political funds for such purposes.
Powered by People (PBP), founded by O’Rourke, has played a major role in supporting the Democrats, paying for their travel, lodging, and the costs of the $500 per-day fines they face for skipping legislative sessions. Meanwhile, the Soros-backed Texas Majority PAC is collaborating with national fundraising groups to secure additional funds for the delaying tactic. PBP has actively solicited donations on its website, promising that 100% of the funds will go towards supporting Texas Democrats against what they describe as Trump’s power grab.
The situation has drawn criticism from some Texas Republicans, who argue that using political funds to cover the fines is illegal. The 2023 legislation imposes the fines and specifies that they cannot be paid from funds accepted as political contributions. Nonetheless, the Democrats maintain that they are following the law and have found a legal way to distribute the funds. The Texas House Democratic Caucus stated that all expenses for this effort are being paid for lawfully.
Gov. Greg Abbott has initiated a legal process to remove the ‘ringleader’ of the exiled Democrats from office, targeting State Rep. Gene Wu, the chairman of the Texas House Democratic caucus, for allegedly violating the state constitution. Abbott claims that the Democrats have shown a willful refusal to return and that their absence is depriving the House of a quorum needed to conduct business on behalf of Texans. The Texas Supreme Court has ordered Wu to respond to the lawsuit by Friday, though he has yet to submit a filing. Wu has responded to the press, rejecting Abbott’s claims and stating that his actions are a constitutional duty to resist a ‘racist gerrymandered map’ orchestrated by the governor and Trump.
President Donald Trump has suggested that federal law enforcement may need to get involved, stating that the situation should be addressed through direct confrontation. His comments have further heightened the political tension surrounding the issue, as both parties continue to maneuver over the redistricting map and its potential impact on the political landscape of Texas.