Two major Democrat-backed groups funded by George Soros and Beto O’Rourke are financing Texas Democrats’ escape from the state to block a GOP vote on redistricting. Now, Governor Abbott is taking legal action to remove one of the movement’s leaders from office.
Key Facts:
- Texas Democrats fled to New York and Illinois to stop a GOP vote on redistricting legislation.
- George Soros-backed Texas Majority PAC and Beto O’Rourke’s Powered by People are financing travel, lodging, and fines.
- State law bars political funds from paying the $500 daily fines legislators incur for skipping session.
- Gov. Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office for violating the state constitution.
- The Texas Supreme Court ordered Wu to respond to the suit by Friday; he has yet to file a legal response.
The Rest of The Story:
Dozens of Texas Democrats have left the state in an attempt to block a GOP-backed congressional redistricting vote.
The lawmakers headed to New York and Illinois, with their efforts financially supported by two groups—Powered by People, founded by former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, and the Soros-linked Texas Majority PAC.
Powered by People has been paying for airfare, lodging, and even helping cover the $500-per-day fines the absent lawmakers are facing.
The organization is actively fundraising online, assuring donors that “100% of your donation will go to supporting Texas Democrats in their fight against Trump’s power grab.”
However, a 2023 state law prohibits lawmakers from using political contributions to pay these fines.
Texas Republicans are questioning the legality of the financial support, warning that if political funds are used to pay penalties, the lawmakers may be violating the law.
The Texas House Democratic Caucus maintains that they are operating within legal limits.
“Every dime of expense for this effort is being paid for lawfully,” the caucus said in a statement to the Texas Tribune.
Supporters claim they’ve structured the donations to avoid direct violations of campaign finance law.
Governor Greg Abbott has initiated a legal process aimed at removing Rep. Gene Wu from office.
Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, is being accused of orchestrating the walkout in violation of the Texas Constitution.
Abbott stated, “Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, and there must be consequences.”
Commentary:
That George Soros and Beto O’Rourke are behind this should come as no surprise. Soros has built an empire of influence that routinely bankrolls progressive operations undermining state governance and law enforcement.
Now he’s helping fund a political stunt that many Texans see as desertion.
This isn’t just political theater—it’s obstruction. When elected officials flee the state rather than do their jobs, they’re turning their backs on the people they were elected to represent. There’s a fine line between protest and dereliction of duty, and this crosses it.
If any campaign or PAC money is used to cover fines in violation of Texas law, there should be consequences. The law was written specifically to prevent political funds from shielding lawmakers from responsibility.
If the Democrats have found a loophole, it’s up to the state to investigate and prosecute if necessary.
Democrats continue to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in the name of resistance. They expect to be praised for walking out and rewarded for lawfare, while screaming “authoritarianism” when the tables are turned.
It’s a classic double standard, and Texans are tired of it.
Gov. Abbott is absolutely right to pursue legal action. If lawmakers refuse to show up and fulfill their constitutional obligations, the state has every right to hold them accountable—even if it means removal from office.
The lawsuit against Rep. Wu is an important test. Will the courts allow politicians to shut down government by simply disappearing? Or will they stand for the rule of law?
The fact that these lawmakers are being protected and funded by out-of-state progressive billionaires only reinforces how disconnected they’ve become from everyday Texans. This isn’t democracy in action—it’s political sabotage.
Abbott should follow through, all the way to the end. If this stunt goes unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent for how legislative bodies function—or fail to function—going forward.
The Bottom Line:
Out-of-state money is helping Texas Democrats abandon their posts, all in the name of blocking a GOP-led redistricting vote. While they claim legal compliance, questions remain about how funds are being used.
Governor Abbott’s legal action against Rep. Wu could reshape how lawmakers are held accountable in future standoffs.
Read Next
– Trump Administration Takes Huge Step to Protect Women’s Sports Ahead of 2028 Olympics
– Texas Gov. Abbott Threatens To Remove Dem Lawmakers Who Fled the State From Office