Maureen Galindo, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Texas, is facing widespread condemnation and accusations of antisemitism after she stated her intention to convert an immigration detention facility into a "prison for American Zionists" if elected. The remarks have triggered a scramble among Democrats to distance themselves from her, with some alleging that conservative groups may be bolstering her campaign.
Background on the Race
Galindo is competing against Johnny Garcia in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas's 35th congressional district, which encompasses parts of San Antonio and surrounding counties. This district, historically a Democratic stronghold, has become more competitive following redistricting efforts by Texas Republicans last summer.
Galindo's Controversial Statements
Last week, Galindo posted on Instagram that if elected, she would introduce legislation declaring Zionism as antisemitic and would "turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking." She also mentioned it would serve as a "castration processing center for pedophiles." The following day, she clarified to a local radio station that she is not antisemitic but opposes "Zionist Jews," and suggested that Garcia and others backed by pro-Israel groups should be "tried for treason."
Allegations of Republican Interference
Democrats suspect that a political action committee (PAC) called Lead Left PAC, founded less than a month ago, is a Republican effort to ensure a weak Democratic opponent in the general election. The PAC has spent over $900,000 promoting Galindo, making it the largest spender in the primary runoff. Its donors remain undisclosed. Links to the GOP fundraising site WinRed were reportedly removed from its metadata after media scrutiny. The PAC also ran ads in Democratic primaries in Pennsylvania and Nebraska.
Bipartisan Condemnation
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene condemned Galindo's comments as "extremely dangerous" and "vile," stating they have no place in Democratic politics. They urged House Republican leadership to cease supporting her candidacy. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the remarks "bigoted garbage and antisemitism." Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Jared Moskowitz threatened to force a vote to expel Galindo if she wins. Garcia accused Galindo of pushing hateful rhetoric, noting that Republicans see her as an easy opponent. Texas gubernatorial candidate James Talarico endorsed Garcia and refused to campaign with Galindo.
Response from House Speaker Mike Johnson
When asked about Republican backing for Galindo, House Speaker Mike Johnson denied any involvement, stating he was unaware of her until the controversial comments surfaced. He characterized her views as indicative of the Democratic Party's direction.
Galindo's Defense
Galindo did not respond to requests for comment, but a statement on her campaign website denied calling for internment camps, attributing that to a journalist's headline. She reiterated her desire to turn the Karnes facility into a prison for "billionaire Zionists" who profited from trafficking, regardless of religion. She also advocated for exposing and castrating pedophiles. Galindo, a former sex therapist, finished first in the March primary and faces Garcia in the runoff on Tuesday.
