Texas Democratic House candidate Maureen Galindo is accusing local media of distorting her comments after a social media post ignited a firestorm of antisemitism accusations from both national and local party figures. The controversy threatens to upend the runoff election for the 35th Congressional District, a San Antonio-based seat that has drawn national attention as Democrats work to avoid nominating a candidate they view as a political liability.
Galindo, a sex therapist and housing activist, sparked bipartisan outrage earlier this month with an Instagram post vowing that if elected, she would “turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking.” The comment drew swift condemnation from Democrats and Republicans alike, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and two Jewish Democratic House members.
In a text message to The New York Times, Galindo pushed back, saying, “Everything is based off a local journalist twisting words. I have always called for all detention centers to be closed.” She has since posted a statement on her campaign website insisting she is not antisemitic, writing that she wants the facility “to be turned into a prison for the billionaire zionists who have profited off genocidal prison state materials and trafficking.” She added, “Prosecution has nothing to do with religion– they could be Evangelical, Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, etc.”
The runoff pits Galindo against Johnny Garcia, a public information officer for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office who is backed by national Democrats and pro-Israel groups. Galindo placed first in the March primary, with Garcia close behind, setting up a competitive May 28 runoff. The race has become a proxy battle over the party’s direction on Israel and messaging discipline, amid broader internal crises and mixed electoral signals for Democrats nationwide.
Democratic state Senator James Talarico refused to campaign alongside Galindo after her post. Meanwhile, Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) said they would “force a vote to expel her” if she wins the seat. The backlash has intensified pressure on the party to consolidate behind Garcia, whose campaign has focused on public safety and economic issues.
Complicating matters, a GOP-aligned super PAC has poured nearly $1 million into boosting Galindo, according to The New York Times. This has fueled speculation that Republicans are meddling in the Democratic primary to elevate a weaker general election opponent. Jeffries issued a sharp statement demanding that “House Republican leadership must immediately cease propping up this antisemitic candidacy.”
The Texas runoff is also unfolding against the backdrop of other high-stakes contests, including the GOP Senate runoff where early voting has surged but still trails March primary turnout. The race has tested the influence of former President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton in his challenge to incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
Galindo’s campaign continues to defend her record, arguing that her focus is on shutting down detention centers and opposing what she calls the “prison-industrial complex.” But with national Democrats, Jewish groups, and even some Republicans lining up against her, the runoff has become a flashpoint for the party’s internal divisions ahead of November.
