The Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 35th Congressional District has evolved into a high-stakes confrontation, centered on the rhetoric of candidate Maureen Galindo. Following a surprise first-place finish in the March 3 primary, Galindo has faced widespread condemnation from both sides of the political aisle over public statements concerning Israel, Zionism and Jewish influence in politics.
Galindo, a housing activist and sex therapist who campaigned on a platform including the prosecution of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, has denied that her comments are antisemitic. Her campaign previously suggested she would transform a local ICE detention center into a “prison for American Zionists,” a statement she later clarified as being directed at “multimillionaire Zionists” rather than Jewish individuals. This rhetoric has led to the withdrawal of support from several former allies, including the group Track AIPAC.
The runoff election this Tuesday serves as a critical test for national Democrats, who fear that Galindo’s candidacy could jeopardize the party’s standing in a district that has undergone significant redrawing. According to an analysis, the district would have favored Donald Trump by 10 points in 2024, despite being won by Vice President Kamala Harris by a 34-point margin in a previous cycle.
Did You Know? Before her comments on Zionism drew national attention, Maureen Galindo secured a first-place finish in the March 3 primary with just $5,344.50 in recorded campaign contributions, a tiny fraction of the funds raised by other candidates in the race.
Expert Insight: The involvement of mysterious super PACs, such as the recently registered Lead Left, suggests a broader tactical struggle within the Democratic primary. When outside groups with opaque funding sources target internal party contests, it often signals an attempt to shift the ideological trajectory of a district or force a party to defend against its own candidate’s controversial public stances.
The Path to the Runoff
Galindo faces Bexar County sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia in the runoff. Garcia has received endorsements from organizations such as the Democratic Majority for Israel and support from the BDA PAC, which has invested nearly $1 million to bolster his candidacy. Observers note that the runoff electorate is expected to be smaller and more informed than the initial primary, where some voters may have been drawn to the polls by a separate, highly competitive Senate primary.
The winner of the Democratic nomination will move on to the general election to face either state representative John Lujan or Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz. As the contest enters its final hours, party strategists remain focused on whether the backlash against Galindo’s statements will be enough to shift the outcome in favor of Garcia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary point of contention regarding Maureen Galindo’s campaign?
Galindo has been widely condemned by Democrats and other leaders for using antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories in her criticisms of Israel and political opponents, including her opponent Johnny Garcia.
How did Galindo initially achieve success in the primary?
Strategists attribute her initial success to a high volume of “atypical” voters who participated in the March 3 primary due to other high-profile races on the ballot, as well as her focus on local housing and immigration policy.
What is the status of the super PAC supporting Galindo?
The super PAC known as Lead Left has spent nearly $1 million to support Galindo, but it has not disclosed its donors and has been accused by Democratic leaders of acting as a vehicle for Republican interference in the Democratic primary.
Will the electorate prioritize local economic concerns over the national controversy surrounding this race?
