AUSTIN, TX — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a formal investigation into the Texas Majority PAC (TMP), a political group partially funded by billionaire George Soros, over allegations of illegal coordination, bribery, and financial misconduct linked to the recent walkout by Democratic lawmakers.
Allegations of Bribery and Outside Influence
Paxton’s office accuses TMP of using donor money to encourage and support the mass departure of Texas House Democrats, which left the chamber without the quorum needed to pass legislation.
“This investigation is about protecting the integrity of our legislature,” Paxton said. “If lawmakers are taking money from a Soros-backed slush fund instead of representing voters, Texans deserve to know. Getting paid under the table to abandon your duties is bribery—plain and simple.”
The Attorney General added that TMP’s ties to Soros raise serious concerns about foreign-influenced political activity in Texas.
Investigation Expands to Other Groups
The TMP probe follows an earlier investigation into Powered by People, an organization tied to former Congressman Beto O’Rourke, which Paxton says may have also played a role in organizing the lawmakers’ exit.
“There’s a pattern of radical, out-of-state funded groups interfering with the legislative process here in Texas,” Paxton said. “We will expose that network and hold every part of it accountable.”
The August 4 Walkout
The political standoff began on August 4, when dozens of Democratic representatives left the state during a special legislative session, preventing Republicans from advancing key bills.
In response, House Speaker Dustin Burrows issued arrest warrants under Article III, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution and House rules allowing for the detention of members who leave without authorization.
Paxton strongly supported the action, calling the absent members “runaway Democrats” who “abandoned their constituents at the direction of wealthy political patrons.”
Legal Action Moves to the Texas Supreme Court
The Texas House has asked Paxton’s office to enforce arrest warrants across state lines, including in Illinois, where some lawmakers are believed to be hiding.
Paxton also filed action with the Texas Supreme Court supporting a quo warranto petition by Governor Greg Abbott against Democratic Rep. Gene Wu. The petition claims lawmakers who miss the Speaker’s deadline should be considered to have vacated their seats.
In a letter to the Court, Paxton’s office stressed that only the attorney general or prosecutors can bring such cases, and urged justices to delay dismissal until after the deadline.
High-Stakes Political Battle
The growing investigation into TMP has intensified the political showdown between Texas Republicans and national Democratic networks. Paxton has accused the absent legislators of working “at the direction of radical donors and D.C. operatives” and says those backers could face legal consequences.
“Texas will not be held hostage by billionaires pushing an anti-democratic agenda,” Paxton said. “If any PAC coordinated with lawmakers to abandon their duties, that’s not activism—it’s a crime.”
About The Author
