Texas

Cornyn Joins GOP Attack on O’Rourke Weeks After Paxton Took Legal Action

U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s (R) recent call for a Department of Justice investigation into Beto O’Rourke and his PAC, Powered by People, came notably after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and Governor Greg Abbott (R) had already taken action on the issue.

In early August, over 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state to break quorum and block GOP-backed legislation. Paxton swiftly responded, filing a lawsuit against O’Rourke’s organization for what he called “unlawful fundraising” tied to the walkout. A Texas court granted Paxton a temporary restraining order, effectively freezing fundraising efforts by the group.

It wasn’t until nearly two weeks later that Cornyn issued his public letter to the DOJ, requesting a federal investigation into the same activity, suggesting illegal coordination and campaign finance violations. While Cornyn framed his request as concern for flood victims and legislative obstruction, the timing raises questions.

With Paxton and Cornyn already facing off in the 2026 Republican Senate primary, the move may signal Cornyn playing catch-up on an issue that is important to Texas conservatives.

Paxton, embattled but popular with the party’s base, was first to act decisively. His legal filing resulted in immediate consequences. Cornyn’s DOJ letter, though high-profile, carries no legal force.

Cornyn, a fixture of the GOP establishment, has often faced criticism from the party's right flank for being overly cautious. In contrast, Paxton, despite ongoing legal controversies, has adopted an aggressive, confrontational approach that resonates strongly with conservatives.

By jumping into a battle already in motion, Cornyn appears to be positioning himself for a tougher, more populist campaign.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.

Recent Posts

Roger Williams Leads Letter Criticizing UN Over Gaza Famine Rhetoric

U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R) led a letter to Ambassador Mike Waltz, head of the…

8 hours ago

Ted Cruz says AI Moratorium Still in Play, Section 230 Protection Unclear

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R) signaled that efforts to pause state-level regulation of artificial intelligence…

11 hours ago

Ken Paxton Presses Universities to Uphold Free Speech

Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has joined a multistate coalition in urging university leaders nationwide…

14 hours ago

John Cornyn Seeks to Protect Religious Student Organizations

U.S Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tim Scott (R-SC),…

14 hours ago

LONESTAR — 9.23.2025 — Charlie Kirk Memorial Sparks Clash Between Republicans and Democrats — August Pfluger Introduces Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices — and More...

Charlie Kirk Memorial Sparks Heated Online Political Debate Over the weekend, conservatives gathered to honor…

14 hours ago

Trump Declares Antifa A Terrorist Organization in Executive Order

President Donald Trump has officially declared Antifascist Action, better known as "Antifa," a domestic terrorist…

1 day ago