Democrats accuse Republicans of boosting fringe candidate in Texas runoff

Democrats are accusing Republicans of trying to lift Maureen Galindo, a fringe candidate with a record of antisemitic remarks, into the runoff for Texas’ newly redrawn 35th Congressional District, where early voting began May 18 and Election Day is May 26. The San Antonio-area seat was drawn by Texas Republican lawmakers to be friendlier to the GOP, and the fight now carries national implications for how much damage a party can absorb when its own primary becomes a battleground for outside meddling.

Galindo finished first in the March Democratic primary with 29.2% of the vote, ahead of Bexar County sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia, who received 27% and forced the runoff. The winner will move on in a district that stretches from San Antonio toward Austin and includes parts of a fast-changing region where party lines are already under pressure. Democrats say that makes the race a test not only of turnout, but of whether a candidate with extreme rhetoric can be stopped before the general election.

The backlash has centered on Galindo’s social-media posts. She said she would turn an ICE detention center into a prison for “American Zionists” and former ICE officers, claimed many Zionists are pedophiles, and repeated conspiracy theories about Zionists controlling San Antonio politics. House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Suzan DelBene called her language disqualifying and said Republicans were trying to elevate a fringe candidate with antisemitic and extremely dangerous rhetoric and views in order to win the seat in November.

The criticism quickly spread beyond Washington. The Jewish Federation of San Antonio condemned the rhetoric as hateful and divisive, underscoring how the race has become a public fight over antisemitism and who can credibly represent Jewish voters in South Texas. Texas Senate candidate James Talarico said he would not campaign with Galindo if she wins, saying there is no place for antisemitic rhetoric.

At the same time, a little-known group called Lead Left PAC has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars boosting Galindo, even as its funding source remains unclear. Metadata tied to the group’s website has linked it to a GOP fundraising platform, feeding suspicions that Republicans are meddling in the runoff to help the weakest possible Democrat emerge. If Garcia prevails, Democrats believe the district could become competitive in November. If Galindo advances, the party may enter the general election carrying a nominee whose own allies and leaders have already branded her a liability.