Judge blocks Beto O'Rourke from funding Texas Dems who fled to stop GOP redistricting vote

"Defendants have and will continue to engage in unlawful fundraising practices and utilization of political funds in a manner that either directly violates or causes Texas Democratic Legislators to violate [the law]," Fahey wrote in her Friday evening ruling. "Consumer have and continue to suffer irreparable harm through these unlawful acts because they are making political contributions that are being used to fund personal expenses and violate state law."

Fahey's order bars O'Rourke or his group from continuing to fundraise or provide financial support to the fleeing Texas Democrats. The ruling came only hours after Paxton's office filed a petition for a temporary restraining order against O'Rourke. 

In response to the ruling, O'Rourke put out a statement arguing that Paxton is trying to shut down his nonprofit "because our volunteers fight for voting rights and free elections," which he called "the kind of work that threatens the hold that Paxton, Trump, and Abbott have on power in Texas."

"Cry more, lib," Paxton said in response to O'Rourke's statement. "You lost in court because you're breaking the law and deceiving Texans. We absolutely will make an example out of law breakers."

Meanwhile, O'Rourke filed his own lawsuit against Paxton in El Paso district court on Friday, The Texas Tribune reported. O'Rourke has accused Paxton of launching a "fishing expedition" and asked a judge to block Paxton's investigation into his nonprofit's practices.