House Democrats condemn Texas candidate for antisemitism and accuse a PAC of boosting her
House Democrats Condemn Texas Candidate’s Antisemitic Remarks and Accuse PAC of Endorsing Her
House Democrats condemn Texas candidate for antisemitism – As the runoff election for Texas’s 35th Congressional District approaches, House Democratic leaders have expressed strong disapproval of a recently formed political action committee (PAC) that is actively supporting a candidate accused of making antisemitic statements. The PAC, named Lead Left, registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on May 6 and has since allocated $428,000 to bolster the campaign of Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist who emerged victorious in the March Democratic primary. This spending has drawn criticism from party officials, who argue it undermines the integrity of the Democratic platform.
Galindo’s Controversial Comments Spark Debate
Galindo, who previously served as a sex therapist, made headlines with her remarks on her campaign’s Instagram account last week. She suggested that if elected, she would transform the Karnes ICE Detention Center into a “prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers” involved in human trafficking. These comments have been interpreted as targeting Jewish individuals, with some critics linking them to broader antisemitic narratives. Additionally, Galindo has been accused of perpetuating stereotypes about her rival, claiming he is controlled by Zionist interests and implying that anyone backing Israel should be tried for treason.
“This antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics,” said State Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. Talarico’s statement, shared with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, highlights the growing tension within the party over Galindo’s campaign. He emphasized the need for leadership that would “stand up and call out hate wherever it rears its ugly head,” a sentiment echoed by other Democratic figures.
Despite the backlash from national Democrats, Galindo has received financial support from Lead Left, which has also invested in other candidates deemed less viable by the party’s leadership. The PAC’s strategy appears to focus on strengthening Democratic prospects in the general election by backing individuals who might resonate with voters in a more conservative-leaning district. However, this support has come under scrutiny, with Democratic leaders suggesting it is a calculated move by Republicans to sway the race.
The controversy surrounding Lead Left intensified after Punchbowl News revealed its connection to WinRed, a primary fundraising platform predominantly used by Republican campaigns. The PAC’s website metadata confirmed these links, raising questions about its independence. Democratic officials have pointed to recent reports from The New York Times, which noted that “Republican fingerprints are detectable” in Lead Left’s operations. The article cited ads in Nebraska that align closely with messaging previously funded by a nonprofit tied to House Republican leadership, further fueling the accusations.
“House Republican leadership must immediately cease propping up this antisemitic candidacy, pull spending in the race, and forcefully condemn these comments,” stated House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Rep. Suzan DelBene in a joint statement. They described Galindo’s rhetoric as “disqualifying” and criticized Republicans for promoting a candidate with “extremely dangerous” views, arguing that such language should not be tolerated within the Democratic Party.
Galindo has defended her remarks, asserting they are not antisemitic. In a statement to CNN on Wednesday, she clarified that her proposal for the Karnes Detention Center was aimed at “BILLIONAIRE Zionists, regardless of religion.” She added that individuals who “have done business for genocidal prison state materials” or “have evidence of pedophilia from Epstein files” should face legal consequences. She accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) of inflaming her comments, claiming they were motivated by a desire to undermine her Israeli-backed opponent, Johnny Garcia.
Democrat Garcia, a public information officer for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, has been endorsed by the DCCC as a “Red to Blue” candidate. His campaign has focused on uniting the party and addressing local issues ahead of the November general election. “Her hateful and vile rhetoric continues to divide our party at a time when we need to be uniting and strengthening our platform,” Garcia told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “The Lead.” He stressed that his primary goal is to secure the district for the Democratic Party, which he believes is at risk of internal conflict.
The 35th District, which has become a focal point of this political drama, was redrawn by Texas Republicans last year as part of a broader mid-decade redistricting effort. According to a CNN analysis of state and private data, the new boundaries shifted the district from a Democratic stronghold to a battleground that would have likely supported Donald Trump by 10 points in 2024. This strategic realignment has intensified the competition, with both Galindo and Garcia vying for the party’s nomination in a highly contested race.
Republican representatives have also weighed in on the situation, with the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesperson Christian Martinez dismissing the Democratic claims. Martinez stated that Jeffries’ candidates “have no real support from Texans” and accused Democrats of engaging in a “full-blown primary civil war.” He argued that Republicans are focused on “the issues Texans care about” and are building a coalition that will “win in November,” contrasting the internal strife within the Democratic Party.
Galindo’s campaign has faced significant criticism from within the party, with some members questioning whether her support from Lead Left reflects a broader strategy to challenge Democratic unity. The PAC’s spending, which has been mostly used for printing and postage, has been seen as a way to amplify her message in a district where her opponent is considered a stronger general election candidate. Meanwhile, the Democrats’ endorsement of Garcia has positioned him as a potential alternative, but the party’s internal discord may complicate their efforts to consolidate support.
As the runoff election nears, the controversy over Galindo’s comments and the role of Lead Left continues to shape the narrative. The debate over whether her rhetoric constitutes antisemitism remains unresolved, with Galindo insisting that her focus is on holding wealthy Zionists accountable. However, Democratic leaders maintain that her remarks are not only harmful but also inconsistent with the party’s values, urging a swift condemnation of her stance and a realignment of priorities for the upcoming vote.
The situation underscores the challenges of maintaining party cohesion in a fiercely competitive race. While some Democrats believe that Galindo’s support from Lead Left is a necessary investment in the general election, others see it as a betrayal of core principles. The outcome of the runoff could have significant implications for the balance of power in the district, particularly as Republicans have positioned themselves to capitalize on any internal Democratic divisions.
CNN has contacted Lead Left for comment, seeking clarification on its involvement with Galindo and the broader implications of its funding strategy. The PAC’s actions, combined with the ongoing debate over antisemitism, highlight the complex dynamics at play in the race. With the election just days away, the focus remains on how the Democratic Party will navigate its internal challenges and whether it can emerge stronger from the fray.
