Clinton-Appointed Federal Judge Bars Texas AG Paxton's Lawsuit Against ActBlue
A federal judge blocked Texas AG Ken Paxton's lawsuit against ActBlue, ruling it was retaliatory and violated the First Amendment.Summary
U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns, appointed by President Clinton, issued a preliminary injunction preventing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from pursuing his state‑court lawsuit against ActBlue, a major Democratic fundraising platform. The judge found the suit was retaliatory, aimed at suppressing ActBlue’s support for Paxton’s 2026 Senate opponent James Talarico, and thus violated the First Amendment’s protection of political speech. Paxton had alleged deceptive gift‑card and foreign prepaid‑debit‑card donations, claiming they could hide foreign contributors, but the court deemed the lawsuit an attempt to punish political activity. ActBlue had filed a parallel federal suit in Boston, alleging unconstitutional retaliation, and the injunction lets the platform continue operating while the legal battle proceeds.
(Source：Zerohedge)