Johnny Garcia is projected to defeat Maureen Galindo in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 35th Congressional District after Galindo faced accusations of antisemitic remarks late in the race.
What happened
Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist, initially finished first in the March primary against Johnny Garcia, a former sheriff’s deputy, and two other candidates. However, in the runoff, Garcia is now projected to prevail following growing controversy over social media posts by Galindo. In these posts, she pledged to convert an immigration detention center into a “prison for American Zionists” and called for “treason trials” for “Zionist associated candidates and politicians.” She also wrote that “billionaire Zionists” belong in prison. Galindo denied being antisemitic but said she is against “Zionist Jews.”
The allegations prompted swift backlash from Democratic leaders. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene condemned Galindo’s language as “vile” and unacceptable. Several Democratic members of Congress threatened to push for her expulsion if she wins the general election and takes office. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who is Jewish, declared Galindo unwelcome both in the party and in Congress, stating, “Anyone who wants to put any American in camps is not legitimate.”
The House Democrats’ campaign arm intervened in the race with a last-minute ad buy backing Garcia, depicting Galindo as “MAGA Maureen,” highlighting support she received from a political action committee linked to Republicans. This move aimed to consolidate Democratic voters around Garcia ahead of the runoff.
Garcia will face the Republican nominee, to be decided between Carlos De La Cruz and state Rep. John Lujan. Republicans hope to capture the San Antonio-area seat after redistricting made the district more favorable to their party. The Cook Political Report currently rates the seat as likely Republican. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Greg Casar, who represented the 35th District, is running in a different district following the redistricting.
Why it matters
This race highlights ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over candidates’ rhetoric and alliances, especially concerning antisemitism and relations with the Jewish community. Galindo’s remarks triggered a rare public rebuke by national Democratic leaders and could influence how similar controversies are handled in future primary contests. Additionally, the seat’s competitive nature reflects how redistricting can shift electoral dynamics, potentially allowing Republicans to pick up previously Democratic districts.
Background
The Texas 35th Congressional District, based around San Antonio, has undergone significant boundary changes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, making it more favorable to Republicans according to political analysts. Greg Casar, the prior Democratic representative, is running in a newly drawn district. Galindo’s initial lead followed by backlash and Garcia’s projected win demonstrate the impact that controversies and party interventions can have on runoff outcomes in competitive districts.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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