Maureen Galindo, Democrat accused of antisemitic remarks, in TX-35 runoff
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Democrat Maureen Galindo, a South Texas sex therapist who has drawn the ire of Democratic Party leaders nationwide, was defeated in her first runoff against Bexar County Sheriff’s Office official Johnny Garcia, according to the Associated Press.
The newly drawn seat, following a redistricting effort by Texas Republicans, is currently represented by “Squad” member Rep. Gregorio Casar. But the liberal lawmaker is running in the neighboring district vacated by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, leaving the now red-leaning seat up for grabs.
Galindo became a national flashpoint when he was accused of antisemitism for pushing a plan to imprison “American Zionists” in an ICE detention center in the area, while pushing back on suggestions that he was trying to set up a “concentration camp.”
Galindo shocked observers when she bested Garcia in the first primary in March, leading to Tuesday’s runoff.
WATCH: HOUSE DEMS, ‘DEMENTS’ DUMPED TEXAS DEMOCRATS DUE TO ANTISEMIC COMMENTS
U.S. House of Representatives 35th District candidates Maureen Galindo and Johnny Garcia attend a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of San Antonio County on May 6, 2026, at the Sydney Board Room in San Antonio Brooks. (Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News)
Garcia, meanwhile, condemned Galindo’s comments and partly blamed Republicans for supporting his name recognition.
Garcia is a San Antonio native and has experience working as a police deputy, SWAT hostage negotiator and public information officer (the official charged with speaking to the press and making public appearances).
His campaign revolved around his self-description as an old-school Democrat and was seen as the more moderate choice in Tuesday’s contest.
Two Republicans are also running for the Republican primary seat; one of them is a relative of nearby GOP Rep. Monica de la Cruz.
BORDER Czar TOM HOMAN tells Texas Democrat to ‘Bring him’ after chilling threats to ICE AGENTS TO THE HOSPITAL
With the 35th District redrawn in favor of Republicans, Democrats began to view Galindo’s candidacy as a disastrous liability.
His rhetoric has since been condemned by the far left members of his party, including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DY) blamed Republicans for Democratic congressional candidate Maureen Galindo’s “anti-Semitic” remarks. Galindo is in the center. (Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News via Getty Images; Sven Hoppe/picture Alliance via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“The vile language he uses is disqualifying and has no place in American politics and certainly in the Democratic Party,” Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said in a joint statement. “Embracing and glorifying a candidate who sidelines with antisemitic — and deeply dangerous — rhetoric and views to win the election is beyond the pale.”
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“Texans will not be fooled and will reject him at the ballot box next week,” they added.
Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
