by Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District
In Texas, a judge has just expanded a restraining order against Beto O’Rourke and his group, Powered by People, forbidding them from sending money or property out of the state to support Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers left Texas to stop a Republican redistricting scheme that would strip communities of their fair representation.
Think about that. A political group is being legally barred from supporting elected officials who are standing up for democracy. This isn’t a simple court order—it’s a chilling sign of how Republicans are willing to weaponize the legal system to silence opposition. This is how authoritarianism creeps in: not with one big bang, but with a series of smaller steps that normalize suppression.
Republicans claim to be defending the law. But let’s be clear: they are making up rules when it suits them and ignoring those same rules when they get in the way. They demand Democrats face punishment for leaving the state, yet they themselves routinely bend and break democratic norms when drawing maps, blocking debate, or catering to special interests. They cry about “following the rules,” but only when it helps them hold onto power.
Here’s the truth: using restraining orders and threats of jail against political opponents isn’t democracy—it mirrors fascism. It’s the same strategy authoritarians use around the world: criminalize dissent, silence the opposition, and stack the courts to rubber-stamp it all. That’s not the America we’re supposed to be living in.
As your next congressman, I won’t sit back while Republicans abuse the system to crush opposition voices. I’ll fight to protect the right of every American to organize, speak out, and hold the powerful accountable. Our country is built on debate, disagreement, and the freedom to challenge those in charge—not on fear of jail or financial ruin for daring to oppose the ruling party.
If it can happen in Texas, it can happen anywhere. Missouri deserves better. America deserves better. And I’m ready to stand up in Congress to make sure it never happens here.
Sources:
The Guardian – Texas attorney general seeks jail for O’Rourke
Houston Chronicle – Judge blocks O’Rourke’s group from aiding Democrats
Politico – Paxton launches investigation into O’Rourke-led group