ISTANBUL

A political action committee led by former US Rep. Beto O'Rourke has been providing financial support to Texas Democrats who left the state to block a Republican congressional redistricting plan, ABC News reported Wednesday.

O'Rourke's organization, Powered by People, has contributed to the Texas House Democratic Caucus for expenses, including accommodation and travel costs, a spokesperson told the network.

It reported that O'Rourke has been in touch with House Democrats after President Donald Trump recommended that Texas Republicans redraw five congressional districts to benefit the party.

"We will have the backs of these heroic state lawmakers for as long as it takes to stop Trump's power grab," O'Rourke told ABC News.

The former presidential contender has been soliciting donations and appealing for contributions during a speaking tour

A House Democratic Caucus representative told ABC News that lawmakers appreciate the backing from supporters throughout Texas and nationwide, reiterating that the support is under legal boundaries.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has pursued legal action to oust Democratic representatives who left the state, claiming they "willfully fled" their positions by disrupting a quorum during a special legislative session.

Two-thirds of the 150-member Texas House must be present for a quorum to conduct business. Currently, there are 88 Republicans in the House, 12 less than what is needed to conduct the special legislative session to pass the congressional redistricting map.