Paxton’s request to jail a political rival comes amid calls by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Paxton and their allies to arrest dozens of Democratic state lawmakers who left Texas to prevent Abbott from holding a special session to pass his ultra-partisan redistricting measure — one expected to net Republicans five seats in Congress.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday said prison is on the line for former Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke after he was accused of violating a court order blocking him from funding Democratic lawmakers seeking to thwart the GOP’s redistricting plan.