Texas attorney general seeks jail for O’Rourke as senate passes Republican-drawn map

Texas AG Ken Paxton has asked a judge to jail Beto O’Rourke, alleging he violated a court order blocking him and his group, Powered by People, from fundraising to cover Democrats’ costs while they fled the state to block a GOP congressional map. Paxton cited O’Rourke’s X posts and rally solicitations, requesting $500 fines per violation and potential jail time. O’Rourke’s lawyers denied wrongdoing, saying fundraising for political purposes is allowed, and accused Paxton of misrepresenting statements, The Guardian has reported. The dispute comes as Republicans push a new congressional map, and O’Rourke’s group helps fund Democrats’ absence to prevent a quorum.