Major Controversies Surrounding Beto O'Rourke: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 21, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Beto O'Rourke.

Beto O'Rourke is an American politician prominent in the Democratic Party. He served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 16th congressional district (2013-2019). He gained national attention during his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign against incumbent Ted Cruz, which he narrowly lost. O'Rourke also sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and was the Democratic nominee for Texas governor in 2022. While unsuccessful in these higher-profile races, he remains a visible figure in American politics and a voice in the Democratic party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

May 19, 1995: Arrest at UTEP

On May 19, 1995, O'Rourke was arrested along with friends for jumping a fence at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) physical plant. He was charged with attempted burglary.

September 27, 1998: Arrest for Driving While Intoxicated

On September 27, 1998, O'Rourke was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Anthony, Texas, after losing control of his car and hitting another vehicle.

2005: O'Rourke Addresses DWI Incident

In 2005, O'Rourke responded to criticism about his 1998 DWI arrest from a political opponent, acknowledging the incident, taking responsibility, and expressing gratitude for a second chance.

January 2009: Sponsored Resolution on War on Drugs

In January 2009, Beto O'Rourke sponsored a resolution calling for a "comprehensive examination" of the War on Drugs and the repeal of ineffective marijuana laws.

November 2014: Opposed Obama's Deferred Action Policy

In November 2014, O'Rourke opposed Obama's deferred action policy.

2014: Criticism of Israel's Actions

In 2014, Beto O'Rourke criticized Israel's actions during the Israel–Gaza conflict and voted against funding Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.

2016: Vote Against Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

In 2016, Beto O'Rourke voted against the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which allows relatives of victims of the September 11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia for its government's alleged role in the attacks.

July 2018: Statement on Trump's Performance at Russia-United States Summit

In July 2018, Beto O'Rourke said that Trump's performance while attending the 2018 Russia–United States summit in Helsinki warranted impeachment.

October 2018: Criticism of Saudi Arabia and U.S. Response to Jamal Khashoggi Killing

In October 2018, after President Trump indicated the U.S. would not sanction Saudi Arabia over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, Beto O'Rourke stated Saudi Arabia must be held accountable for human rights abuses and actions in Yemen.

2018: Ted Cruz's Claims on O'Rourke's Border and Gun Stances

In 2018, Ted Cruz asserted that O'Rourke wanted "open borders and wants to take our guns," claims that PolitiFact found to be "false".

March 23, 2019: Accusation of Collusion with Russia

On March 23, 2019, Beto O'Rourke accused President Trump of collusion with Russia to "undermine and influence" U.S. elections.

April 2019: Comparison of Trump's Rhetoric to Nazi Germany

In April 2019, Beto O'Rourke publicly compared rhetoric used by Trump to describe immigrants to language from Nazi Germany.

September 19, 2019: Call for Mandatory Buyback of Assault Weapons

On September 19, 2019, during a Democratic presidential debate, O'Rourke called for a mandatory buyback of assault weapons, saying "Hell yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK-47."

October 2019: Proposal to Remove Tax-Exempt Status of Religious Organizations Opposing Same-Sex Marriage

In October 2019, during his presidential campaign, O'Rourke proposed to remove the tax-exempt status of religious organizations that oppose same-sex marriage, which sparked controversy and criticism from other candidates.

October 16, 2019: Comments on Consequences for Non-Compliance with Assault Weapon Buyback

On October 16, 2019, Beto O'Rourke stated that there would be consequences for non-compliance with a mandatory assault weapon buyback program, including visits by law enforcement to recover the firearms.

May 25, 2022: Confrontation with Greg Abbott after Robb Elementary School Shooting

On May 25, 2022, Beto O'Rourke confronted Texas Governor Greg Abbott during a press conference about the Robb Elementary School shooting, criticizing his inaction on gun control. The confrontation drew mixed reactions, with some condemning O'Rourke's actions as politicizing a tragedy.