Former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke faced pointed questions during a CNN interview Wednesday about why he is funding efforts to help Democrats flee Texas to block a redistricting vote, instead of directing that money toward aiding vulnerable Texans.
O’Rourke’s political organization, Powered by People (PBP), has been instrumental in supporting roughly 50 Democratic lawmakers who traveled to New York and Illinois. According to the Texas Tribune, the group is covering airfare, lodging, and assisting with the $500-per-day fines those lawmakers face for skipping the legislative session.
The Democratic walkout has halted the Republican-controlled legislature’s push to pass new congressional maps, which would create five additional right-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 elections.
CNN anchor Pamela Brown noted during the interview that PBP spent more than $500,000 in 2021 to help Democrats stage a similar quorum break over a voting bill — a measure that ultimately passed despite the protest.
“We could see a similar scenario this time around. Is it worth it?” Brown asked.
“Absolutely,” O’Rourke replied. “If we fail, the consolidation of authoritarian power in America will be nearly unstoppable.”
He argued that Americans nationwide should care about the Texas Democrats’ effort, warning that a Republican majority in Congress would “roll out a royal red carpet for a Trump third term,” leading to more ICE raids and “more retribution and persecution and even violence for Trump’s political opponents.”
Brown pressed further, questioning whether the funds might be “better spent” on direct aid to vulnerable Texans.
“We’ve seen it before — they flee, but inevitably they have to come back,” she said. “Do you think the money could be better spent helping those folks you mentioned?”
O’Rourke maintained that the lawmakers could stay away long enough to block the redistricting plan. He also praised Democratic governors, including Gavin Newsom, for signaling they might pursue similar tactics if Texas Republicans succeed.
“We have to stop their power grab. We have to win power, and then we have to use it to provide a check on Donald Trump,” O’Rourke said.
Brown later cited his call for Democrats to “fight fire with fire” and noted that Vice President J.D. Vance recently met with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to discuss redistricting in that state.
“It ends with Democrats winning power,” O’Rourke responded. “For far too long, my party has been more concerned with being right and coloring within the lines than about winning — while the other side only cares about power, regardless of what’s right, ethical, or legal. We’ve got to take the gloves off, throw the first punch, and throw it harder.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said lawmakers who fled should be arrested and prosecuted when they return.
