Antisemitism Allegations Shadow Texas Democrat Maureen Galindo as She Heads to Runoff

Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist and housing advocate who raised just $5,344.50 through the end of March, unexpectedly finished first in the March 3 Democratic primary for Texas’ 35th Congressional District. Her surprise showing has since drawn intense scrutiny after social media posts and interviews in which she used language widely condemned as antisemitic while criticizing Israel and her Democratic rival Johnny Garcia.

From Upset Win to National Backlash

Galindo’s initial victory — by just under 1,200 votes — stunned local Democrats and quickly became national news as reporters highlighted comments that many called conspiratorial and antisemitic. Galindo says she is not targeting Jewish people generally but is criticizing wealthy “Zionists” and Israel’s policies. Still, her statements prompted condemnations from figures across the political spectrum and cost her endorsements.

Examples of Controversial Remarks

Before and after the primary, Galindo wrote and said things that drew criticism, including posts that accused "Jewish church leadership" of dominant political and media influence, a claim widely viewed as a harmful trope. In interviews she described the U.S. as being "occupied by Israel" and suggested those supported by Israel could be liable for treason. She also proposed converting a local ICE detention center to a prison for "American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking," language that many regarded as inflammatory.

"Maybe Johnny Garcia and others who support him, or anybody who is supported by Israel, should be tried for treason," Galindo said in a radio interview. "I’m just really concerned, though, about the genocide that Israel is doing, and that they might try to bring it here too."

Campaign Funding And Outside Influence

Galindo ran a low-budget campaign but has benefited from outside spending. Lead Left, a newly registered super PAC, has spent close to $1 million on mailers and TV ads promoting Galindo as a progressive opponent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). National Democrats allege the super PAC may be a Republican effort to meddle in Democratic primaries; Lead Left has not disclosed its donors.

A US government detention facility in Karnes County, Texas, pictured in July 2014. - Jim Forsyth/Reuters/File

By contrast, Johnny Garcia, a longtime Bexar County sheriff’s deputy, has attracted establishment backing from groups such as BDA PAC (linked to the Blue Dog Coalition) and the Democratic Majority for Israel. BDA PAC spent nearly $1 million on the race, including a $300,000 buy ahead of the March primary.

Why The Runoff Matters

The runoff has become a referendum on Galindo’s rhetoric and a test of whether national Democrats can prevent a nominee whose comments the party has publicly rejected. The stakes are amplified by redistricting: Texas Republicans redrew the 35th District, and a CNN analysis found the new map would have favored Donald Trump by about 10 points in 2024. The eventual Democratic nominee will face either state Rep. John Lujan or Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz in the general election.

Local Reaction And Party Calculus

Local strategists say a surge of atypical Democratic voters — drawn to the polls by a competitive U.S. Senate primary — may have helped Galindo advance in March. Some former allies rescinded endorsements after learning the full scope of her remarks. Advocates for robust debate about Israel’s policies say voters can and do distinguish legitimate criticism from hateful rhetoric; others stress that the party’s ability to hold this swing seat hinges on nominating a candidate who does not alienate key constituencies.

As the runoff approaches, Democrats are mobilizing a more informed turnout while watching how outside spending and national attention might reshape a race that began as a local contest.