Democratic leaders are expressing strong disapproval of Maureen Galindo, a candidate for Texas’ 35th Congressional District, following her recent antisemitic remarks. Galindo, who emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary, is now facing a runoff against Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny Garcia. Amidst a significant and enigmatic advertising campaign aimed at supporting Galindo, Democratic figures in both Texas and Washington are rallying behind Garcia.
In a controversial Instagram post last weekend, Galindo announced her intention to propose legislation that would convert the Karnes ICE Detention Center into a facility for American Zionists and former ICE officers involved in human trafficking. She further suggested it would serve as a “castration processing center for pedophiles,” a statement she claimed would likely apply to “most of the Zionists.” This latest declaration adds to a series of antisemitic comments made by Galindo, which have included accusations that Jews control Hollywood and are associated with the “synagogue of Satan.”
A wave of condemnation has followed from prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Talarico emphasized that such antisemitic rhetoric has no place in politics, asserting he would refuse to campaign with Galindo should she win the runoff. “We need leadership in both parties willing to stand up and call out hate wherever it rears its ugly head,” he stated.
The upcoming runoff is of significant importance to both major political parties. Last summer, Republicans restructured the San Antonio-area district to shift its political leanings, transforming it from one that Vice President Kamala Harris won by a substantial margin into one that would have favored President Donald Trump.
Significant financial resources have been funneled into this race, with advertising backing both candidates. Support for Galindo has come primarily from Lead Left PAC, a recently established political action committee that has yet to disclose its funding sources. Reports suggest ties between this PAC and the Republican Party, as initial metadata on its website suggested links to WinRed, a prominent GOP fundraising platform. Lead Left PAC has not responded to inquiries regarding its financial backers.
With nearly $600,000 spent on advertisements and mailers promoting Galindo and attacking Garcia, the implications of this spending have raised concerns among Democrats. Madison Andrus, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, labeled the apparent GOP support for Galindo as “extremely dangerous.”
In a joint statement, Jeffries and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene urged Republican leaders to withdraw their support for what they termed an antisemitic candidacy and to denounce Galindo’s comments. They asserted that such language is disqualifying and unacceptable in American politics.
In response, the National Republican Congressional Committee refrained from addressing the allegations of GOP interference in a Democratic primary. Instead, a spokesperson criticized the Democratic candidates, describing their internal conflicts as a “circular firing squad.”
On the Republican side, a runoff is also taking place in the 35th Congressional District, featuring state Representative John Lujan and veteran Carlos De La Cruz. De La Cruz took to social media to denounce Galindo’s comments, stating that such rhetoric has no place in Texas.
Garcia has garnered endorsements from various national and Texas Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar. In response to the pro-Galindo advertisements, Garcia released his own campaign ad branding Galindo as “MAGA’s favorite,” suggesting that her divisive rhetoric makes her an easy target for defeat.
Additional support for Garcia has come from the Blue Dog Action PAC and Project 218, which have collectively invested nearly $600,000 in advertising on his behalf. Meanwhile, in a text statement, Galindo reiterated her stance, criticizing media portrayals of her proposal as antisemitic. “All politicians who have taken Israeli money should be tried for treason,” she stated, disregarding the backlash from Democratic leaders.
When asked about the reactions from Democrats, Galindo expressed indifference, claiming that their responses only serve to expose them as “Zionist” and suggesting it would ultimately backfire.
