Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed an emergency appeal with the Texas Supreme Court. The move comes in response to a controversial ruling by the newly formed Fifteenth Court of Appeals. That court temporarily halted lower court orders targeting what Paxton calls “fraudulent activities” by political activist and former gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke.
Paxton says the ruling interferes with his office’s ability to hold O’Rourke accountable.
In a sharply worded statement, Paxton called the appellate court’s decision “deeply flawed” and “a blindly political attempt to aid fraudster Beto O’Rourke.”
He says the ruling blocks key legal steps, including discovery and a September 2 hearing, without letting the State respond.
“The Fifteenth Court of Appeals has put its finger on the scales,” Paxton said. “This completely unprecedented order… is a gift to Beto designed intentionally to allow him to resume his deceptive scheme without allowing my office to respond. It’s an insult to the people of Texas, an affront to our judicial system, and a disastrous precedent if allowed to continue.”
The dispute stems from legal action Paxton initiated against O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, over what the Attorney General describes as a “fraudulent fundraising scheme.”
Trial courts had previously issued temporary restraining orders against O’Rourke. However, the appeals court paused enforcement while it reviews a last-minute mandamus petition from O’Rourke’s legal team.
Paxton argues the ruling allows Beto O’Rourke to continue alleged misconduct without any oversight. He believes the court's action effectively blocks accountability. In response, Paxton filed an emergency appeal with the Texas Supreme Court. He is seeking to overturn the lower court’s order and restore the state’s ability to pursue legal action.
However, the Texas Supreme Court (SCOTX) rejected Paxton’s emergency filing.
In a one-page order, the justices stated, “The petition for writ of mandamus seeking relief from the Fifteenth Court of Appeals’ expedited briefing schedule is denied. The emergency motion for temporary relief is dismissed as moot.”
The ruling denies Paxton’s attempt to fast-track action against O’Rourke for his role in funding Texas Democrats’ recent quorum break and blocks his effort to immediately reinstate the trial court’s restraints.
“I will stop at nothing to ensure Beto O’Rourke and his radical organization are held accountable,” Paxton said in response. “The rule of law must prevail.”
