Judge Blocks Texas AG's Lawsuit Against ActBlue Over Political Retaliation Claims

A federal judge has halted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against ActBlue, claiming it was an act of retaliation. The lawsuit accused ActBlue of violating donation laws, but the court viewed it as a suppression of free speech rights in the context of political fundraising.

A federal judge has halted a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue, citing it as an act of political retaliation. Judge Richard Stearns of Boston issued a preliminary injunction in favor of ActBlue, which argued that Paxton’s suit infringed upon its First Amendment rights.

Judge Stearns, appointed during the Clinton administration, highlighted Paxton’s history of retaliatory lawsuits, asserting that this particular lawsuit was filed to suppress ActBlue's political speech, especially in support of Democratic candidate James Talarico. The judge's decision comes amid escalating tensions as Talarico challenges Paxton’s ally for a Senate seat.

Paxton's lawsuit stemmed from accusations that ActBlue had resumed controversial donation practices. Yet, the court saw this as a maneuver against ActBlue’s fundraising on behalf of Talarico. Despite repeated inquiries, neither party responded to requests for comment, leaving the issue to unfold as the election approaches.