How a Texas Democrat rebuked by her party for antisemitism made it to the runoff

Unexpected Runoff: Texas Democrat Faces Antisemitism Scrutiny

How a Texas Democrat rebuked by her – Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist and housing advocate, has become a focal point in Texas politics after an unexpected turn of events in the March 3 primary for the 35th Congressional District. Despite allocating only a handful of thousands to her campaign, she secured the top spot, leaving Democrats scrambling to reassess their strategy. Her rise to prominence, however, has been accompanied by controversy, as her use of antisemitic language in criticizing Israel and her rival Johnny Garcia has sparked national debate. The upcoming runoff election now serves as a critical test for the party, examining whether its base can reconcile its support for Galindo with her increasingly contentious rhetoric.

A Surprise Victory and Rising Concerns

Galindo’s primary win has been described as a shocker, particularly given the limited resources she invested in her campaign. Her opponents, including Garcia, who had backing from a pro-Israel organization, were unprepared for her success. Yet, her use of antisemitic tropes has since drawn sharp criticism, with figures from both political parties condemning her statements. The runoff, held on Tuesday, has taken on a symbolic role, reflecting broader tensions within the Democratic Party over its stance on Israel and the potential consequences of aligning with a candidate perceived as diverging from its core values.

Super PAC Spending and Democratic Fears

Democrats are now grappling with the possibility that Galindo could still win the nomination, thanks in part to nearly $1 million in undisclosed super PAC contributions. This influx of funds has raised concerns that her candidacy might not only secure the district’s seat but also tie the party to rhetoric it has explicitly rejected. “She does not reflect the values of Democrats, and she certainly doesn’t represent the values of San Antonio,” asserted Laura Barberena, a Democratic strategist based in the region. Galindo, however, maintains her success stems from grassroots mobilization rather than external financial influence.

Grassroots Support and Uninformed Voters

Galindo attributes her initial lead to strong local backing, emphasizing her connection to the community. Her campaign fundraising figures, which totaled $5,344.50 by the end of March, starkly contrast with the substantial sums raised by her competitors. Yet, Texas Democrats point to a different dynamic: the competitive Senate race between state Rep. James Talarico and US Rep. Jasmine Crockett. This contest drew in a wave of new voters, some of whom may have been less familiar with the nuances of Galindo’s platform. “That brought a lot of untraditional Democratic primary voters who may not be as informed,” explained Bert Santibañez, a San Antonio-based strategist. “They go down the ballot and see Maureen Galindo — a woman with a Spanish surname — and that gets the nod for them.”

From Housing Policy to Controversial Rhetoric

Galindo’s pre-primary social media activity centered on housing initiatives and her critique of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She frequently posted about her opposition to funding a new stadium for the San Antonio Spurs and advocated for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump and his administration. Her posts also touched on her professional background as a marriage and family therapist, offering guidance on managing stress through nervous system regulation. However, even before the March 3 vote, her comments began to hint at more provocative themes.

Antisemitism and Conspiracy Theories

In December, Galindo wrote that she would not accept Israel’s “blood money,” a phrase often associated with antisemitic sentiments. By January, she had described Jewish leadership as wielding “dominant economic and political (& media) power” that was “very real, harmful, and should be named and criticized.” These statements, while framed as critiques of Israel’s policies, have led to accusations of drifting into conspiracy theory and antisemitic rhetoric. Galindo has not retreated from her stance, even as she advanced to the runoff. During an interview with Texas Public Radio earlier this month, she claimed that the United States is being occupied by Israel, asserting that supporters of the country, including Garcia, should be “tried for treason.”

Genocide Allegations and Israel’s Response

Galindo’s remarks have intensified since she posted on her campaign’s Instagram account, suggesting that an ICE detention center would be repurposed as a “prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking.” While she denies targeting Jewish people, the post has fueled criticism, with some arguing that her language aligns with broader antisemitic narratives. In response, Galindo issued a statement clarifying that her proposal for the Karnes Detention Center was never intended to detain Jewish individuals.

Testing the Democratic Base

The runoff election is now framed as a referendum on Galindo’s ability to sway voters beyond her initial primary success. Democrats are hopeful that a more informed electorate, less influenced by the competitive Senate race, will reject her in favor of Garcia. Katherine Fischer, executive director of the Texas Majority PAC, noted that the gap in awareness about her controversial statements has narrowed. “People didn’t have much of an awareness of her more contentious views in March, and now they do,” Fischer said. “If you’re running for office, there’s always a chance, but I think it’s tough for her at this point. I hope it is.”

Broader Implications for the Party

Galindo’s journey highlights the challenges Democrats face in balancing progressive ideals with evolving public sentiment. Her remarks have been scrutinized in the context of the party’s growing anti-Israel stance, particularly among younger voters and grassroots activists. While some argue that her critique of Israel is justified, others see it as a sign of the party’s internal divisions. The runoff election, therefore, is not just about Galindo’s future but also about the Democratic Party’s capacity to unify its base and avoid being associated with controversial rhetoric.

In a statement last week, Galindo defended her position, insisting that her proposal for the detention center was never about targeting Jewish people. “I’m just really concerned about the genocide that Israel is doing, and that they might try to bring it here too,” she said during the interview. Israel has denied allegations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, but Galindo’s claims continue to resonate with her base. As the runoff approaches, the race has become a microcosm of the broader ideological battles shaping American politics today.

“She does not reflect the values of Democrats, and she certainly doesn’t represent the values of San Antonio,” said Laura Barberena, a locally based Democratic strategist.

The tension between Galindo’s grassroots appeal and her critics’ concerns underscores the complexity of the race. While her low campaign spending and personal background have drawn support, the national attention on her rhetoric has forced Democrats to confront the implications of their candidate’s stance. The outcome of the runoff will likely influence the party’s strategy in the district and beyond, as it seeks to navigate the delicate balance between progressive messaging and voter alignment in an increasingly polarized political landscape.