Key takeaways

• A Texas appeals court paused discovery in Ken Paxton’s lawsuit.
• Paxton claims Beto O’Rourke’s group bribed Democratic lawmakers.
• Powered By People helped pay fines, travel costs, and lost wages.
• Paxton blasted three Republican judges and the Texas Supreme Court.
• The feud adds drama to Paxton’s hot Senate primary race.

Ken Paxton lashes out at appeals court judges

Ken Paxton went on X to blast three appeals court judges. He said they are “activist judges” helping former Congressman Beto O’Rourke break the law. These judges paused discovery in Paxton’s case. As a result, Paxton can’t gather evidence right now. He also lost a bid at the Texas Supreme Court. The court refused to reverse the appeals court’s decision.

Paxton’s message was fiery. He claimed a “constitutional crisis” is underway. He used strong language to describe the judges. He named Scott Brister, Scott Field, and April Farris. All three were appointed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Paxton said these “unelected justices” are siding with O’Rourke’s team. He warned that this judicial activism must stop.

Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against Beto O’Rourke’s group

Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit to block Powered By People. He accused the group of an illegal bribery scheme. His suit seeks to stop donations for lawmakers’ fines, travel costs, and lost wages. These expenses came from a two-week walkout by Democratic state representatives. The Democrats fled Texas to block a redistricting plan favored by Republicans.

Powered By People raised funds to help those lawmakers. Beto O’Rourke, a multiple-time Democratic candidate, helped boost those efforts. He joined fundraisers and promoted the cause online. He called on supporters to chip in. His group sent money to cover fines that Democrats faced for skipping votes. Under Texas law, absent lawmakers lose pay until they return to the chamber.

Paxton argued this cash flow is essentially bribery. He said it bought off state representatives to break quorum. He told the court that these payments undercut Texas law. He also claimed the walkout aimed to overturn a map ordered by former President Donald Trump. He wants the court to block any group from covering these costs.

Beto O’Rourke fights back

O’Rourke quickly shot back at Ken Paxton. He seemed surprised that Paxton thought judges worked for him. O’Rourke posted, “You think the 15th appeals court judges appointed by Greg Abbott are working for me? You okay?” His response was short and sharp. It showed he saw Paxton’s salvo as over the top.

Meanwhile, Democrats returned to Austin after two weeks. Republicans passed the redistricting plan. Now, that map faces a civil rights lawsuit. That legal fight could drag on for months or years. As a result, Paxton’s case sits in limbo. The appeals court’s pause stalled key evidence gathering. Both sides now await the next hearing date.

How this affects Ken Paxton’s Senate race

Ken Paxton is running in the Republican primary against incumbent John Cornyn. Their contest has grown nastier over recent months. Both have attacked each other’s records. They have also aimed barbs at personal issues. Paxton’s divorce and infidelity news added fuel to an already heated fight.

Paxton’s feud with O’Rourke and the courts brings extra attention. His base sees him as a fighter against “activist judges.” His critics call him a radical who abuses his office. Cornyn’s camp points to Paxton’s legal woes and personal drama. In Texas, high drama often shapes voter views. As a result, every headline matters in this spring primary.

What’s next in this legal fight?

First, the appeals court must schedule new hearings. Each side will argue whether the pause on discovery stands. If the court lifts the pause, Paxton can gather documents and testimonies. That might give him more ammo against Powered By People.

However, if the pause stays, Paxton faces delays. His lawsuit could grind on past the primary date. That means the case may not finish before voters cast ballots. Either way, the outcome could shape how campaigns fund activist tactics in Texas. It could also set a rule on whether groups can cover walkout costs.

Moreover, the civil rights lawsuit against the redistricting map will move forward. Courts may block parts of the map if it violates federal voting rights laws. That fight might affect the 2026 congressional races. As a result, Texas politics will stay intense for months to come.

Finally, voters will judge Ken Paxton by both his record and his rhetoric. His social media attack on judges shows his combative style. Some voters admire that approach. Others worry it undermines the rule of law. In the end, Paxton’s fate may hinge on which side of that split wins the most support.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly did Ken Paxton accuse the judges of?

He said they acted as “activist judges” to help a political scheme. He claimed pausing discovery in his lawsuit allowed Beto O’Rourke’s group to dodge scrutiny.

What is Powered By People?

Powered By People is a nonprofit backed by Beto O’Rourke. It raised money to cover fines, travel, and lost wages for lawmakers who walked out of the Texas Capitol.

Why did Texas Democrats walk out?

They left to block a new congressional map. Republicans said the plan made some districts more favorable to their party. The walkout denied quorum and delayed the vote.

How might this affect Texas politics?

The court battles could change fundraising rules for political protests. They also keep the redistricting fight alive. Those outcomes will shape elections and power balance in Texas.