In a closely watched runoff for Texas’ 35th District, progressive sex therapist Maureen Galindo was defeated by Johnny Garcia following allegations of antisemitism and criticism from her own party.
Garcia’s win on Tuesday was met with relief by both national and Texas Democrats.
Democrats had distanced themselves from Galindo after she posted on social media, suggesting legislation to convert a local ICE detention center into a “prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking.” Accusations arose that Republicans were supporting her campaign, citing Lead Left, a super PAC with possible GOP connections, which reportedly spent over $900,000 to support Galindo and attack Garcia.
As one of five districts targeted by Texas Republicans for potential gains this fall, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has included Garcia, a county sheriff’s deputy, in its “Red to Blue” program to bolster his campaign.
Galindo has denied being antisemitic, asserting that the DCCC was attempting to “inflame my comments because they want my Israeli-backed opponent.”
In a statement to POLITICO, she clarified that her detention center proposal was aimed at “BILLIONAIRE Zionists, regardless of religion,” emphasizing accountability for those involved in questionable dealings or linked to the Epstein files.
Garcia’s victory marks a turnaround from the March primary, where he placed second to Galindo.
In recent weeks, the Blue Dog Action PAC invested over $1 million to support Garcia, including over $450,000 to directly counter Lead Left. He also gained endorsements from figures such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Texas Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Joaquin Castro, and Greg Casar, who represent nearby districts.
Garcia is set to compete against Carlos De La Cruz, a candidate backed by Trump and sibling of Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), who secured his GOP primary victory on Tuesday. Notably, Trump had won the district by 10 points in 2024.
