Galindo’s 29.2% TX-35 Lead Falters as Israel Comments Trigger Antisemitism Backlash
Updated
Updated · Texas Public Radio · May 25
Galindo’s 29.2% TX-35 Lead Falters as Israel Comments Trigger Antisemitism Backlash
6 articles · Updated · Texas Public Radio · May 25
29.2% primary finisher Maureen Galindo entered the final days of Texas’ 35th District Democratic runoff under intensifying scrutiny over remarks about “Israeli Zionists,” Jewish political influence and an “Israeli occupation of America.”
Those comments, amplified by a post calling for the Karnes ICE detention center to become a “prison for American Zionists,” drew condemnation from local Jewish leaders and national Democrats, while Galindo denied being antisemitic.
Johnny Garcia, who won 27.0% in March, has also faced attacks from Galindo supporters over his stance on ICE, but the runoff’s closing stretch has been dominated by the Israel-related controversy rather than immigration.
The May 26 runoff will decide who advances in a newly redrawn, more Republican-leaning district that Democrats still see as competitive because of its large Hispanic electorate and Trump’s weaker standing.
As voters head to the polls, where is the line drawn between sharp political criticism and dangerous hate speech?