Democrats Seek To Defeat Maureen Galindo Over Antisemitic Rhetoric In Texas 35th Runoff

Democratic leaders are trying to defeat Maureen Galindo in a Texas runoff on Tuesday, where she faces Johnny Garcia for the Democratic nomination in the state’s 35th Congressional District in the San Antonio area.

“Skip to main content 8 hours ago - Politics & Policy Democrats scramble to contain their Maureen Galindo problem Andrew Solender email (opens in new window) sms (opens in new window) facebook (opens in new window) twitter (opens in new window) linkedin (opens in new window) bluesky (opens in new window) Add Axios as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google”

Axios

The dispute centers on Galindo’s antisemitic rhetoric, including her vow to turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a “prison for American Zionists,” a line that has drawn condemnation from Democrats and prompted calls to stop outside spending tied to a newly launched PAC.

CNN

Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that Rabbi Mara Nathan, senior rabbi of Temple Beth El in San Antonio, said watching Galindo emerge as a contender has been “very disorienting.”

Nathan said she hoped the attention would help Texans “wake up and step up for a more sane perspective in how one is going to lead our community,” as the runoff nears and national Democrats back Garcia.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Suzan DelBene condemned Galindo’s rhetoric in a joint statement, saying, “This vile language by her is disqualifying and has no place in American politics, and certainly not in the Democratic Party.”

They also accused Republican leadership of propping up Galindo through outside spending by Lead Left PAC, which the Jewish Telegraphic Agency said has spent nearly $600,000 on ads and mailers bashing Garcia and boosting Galindo.

Jewish Insider

Axios described the scramble inside House Democrats to isolate Galindo, noting that a mysterious PAC is spending “hundreds of thousands” to boost her and that Democrats allege it is a Republican attempt to ensure the GOP candidate faces a weak opponent in November.

In response to the backlash, Galindo told The New York Times that “Dems and Republicans uniting against me in the same week with the same message is evidence that theyre working together for the zionist billionaires that control our government and tax money,” according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The runoff’s stakes are tied to a redrawn district, with the Washington Post saying Texas Republicans redrew the 35th Congressional District to boost their party’s chances of holding onto the seat in this year’s midterms.

“Secretive GOP-linked super PAC Lead Left boosting antisemitic Dem candidate in Texas Democrats are uniting to condemn Maureen Galindo’s extremist candidacy — and blame the GOP’s opportunistic intervention Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News via Getty Images A newly launched super PAC with ties to Republicans has spent nearly half a million dollars to help boost a Democrat running for a competitive open House seat in Texas who is facing growing bipartisan furor over a series of virulently antisemitic social media remarks”

Jewish Insider

CNN reported that Lead Left PAC registered with the Federal Election Commission on May 6 and spent $428,000 in the 35th District, mostly on printing and postage, as Democrats accused Republicans of trying to meddle in the race.

CNN also quoted State Rep. James Talarico telling the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, “This antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics,” adding that he said, “We need leadership in both parties willing to stand up and call out hate wherever it rears its ugly head.”

As the winner prepares to face the Republican nominee, NBC News said the winner of Tuesday’s Democratic runoff will face the winner of the Republican runoff between Carlos De La Cruz and state Rep. John Lujan, whose backers include Gov. Greg Abbott.