Galindo loses Texas Democratic runoff after antisemitism allegations sway race
Johnny Garcia has defeated Maureen Galindo in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 35th Congressional District, CBS News projects, following a late-stage controversy over Galindo’s antisemitic social media posts that reshaped the race’s final stretch.
Galindo, a sex therapist, had led the March primary field, finishing ahead of Garcia, a former sheriff’s deputy, and two other candidates. But her campaign unraveled in recent days after she posted that she would repurpose an immigration detention center into a “prison for American Zionists” if elected. In other posts, she called “billionaire Zionists” deserving of prison and argued that “Zionist associated candidates and politicians” should face “treason trials.”
Galindo denied being antisemitic, saying she is “against Zionist Jews.” The distinction did little to quell the backlash. Democratic leaders swiftly distanced themselves. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), called her language “vile” and “disqualifying.” Some House Democrats threatened to force a vote to expel her if she won the general election and was seated in January.
“She’s not welcome in the Democratic Party. She’s not welcome in Congress,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), who is Jewish. “Anyone who wants to put any American in camps is not legitimate.”
The DCCC intervened last week with a last-minute ad buy aimed at boosting Garcia. The ad labeled Galindo “MAGA Maureen,” highlighting support she received from a political action committee with Republican ties. The move underscored the party’s alarm at her candidacy in a district that was redrawn last year to be more favorable to Republicans.
Garcia will now face either Carlos De La Cruz or state Rep. John Lujan in the general election for the San Antonio-area seat. The Cook Political Report rates the race as likely Republican, given the post-redistricting shift. The incumbent, progressive Rep. Greg Casar, chose to run in the redrawn 37th District covering parts of Austin, leaving the 35th open.
The outcome marks a significant victory for mainstream Democrats who sought to contain the fallout from Galindo’s rhetoric, and sets the stage for a competitive general election in a swing district that GOP strategists believe is within reach.