Democrat Maureen Galindo, a South Texas candidate who drew national backlash over comments about imprisoning “American Zionists,” has lost her primary runoff to Bexar County Sheriff’s Office official Johnny Garcia.
The Associated Press called the race Tuesday, ending Galindo’s campaign after weeks of criticism from Democratic Party leaders.
Galindo, a sex therapist from South Texas, became a national flashpoint after she floated the idea of imprisoning “American Zionists” at an ICE detention center in the district.
Her comments were widely condemned as antisemitic, including by Democratic leaders who warned that her rhetoric had no place in the party.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee called Galindo’s language “vile” and “disqualifying.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also joined other Democrats in condemning her remarks.
Galindo had shocked political observers earlier this year when she finished ahead of Garcia in the March primary, forcing the race into a runoff.
Garcia, a San Antonio native, framed himself as a more moderate and traditional Democrat. His background includes work as a police deputy, SWAT hostage negotiator and public information officer.
He criticized Galindo’s comments and argued that her candidacy had become a liability for Democrats.
The race took place in Texas’ newly redrawn 35th Congressional District, a seat currently represented by progressive Rep. Gregorio Casar.
Casar is running in a neighboring district being vacated by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, leaving the redrawn 35th open.
Republicans changed the district boundaries during redistricting, making the seat more favorable to the GOP.
That made Galindo’s candidacy especially concerning for Democratic leaders, who worried her rhetoric could damage the party in a district that was already becoming harder to win.
Two Republicans are also competing for the GOP nomination, including a relative of Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
Garcia will now move forward as Democrats try to remain competitive in a district that has shifted to the right.
The result marks a major defeat for a controversial candidate whose comments united Democratic leaders across ideological lines against her.
Why It Matters
Galindo’s defeat shows that Democratic leaders were willing to move quickly against a candidate accused of antisemitic rhetoric, especially in a district where the party already faces a difficult general election. The race also highlights how redistricting and candidate controversies can reshape House battlegrounds.
What Comes Next
Garcia will advance from the Democratic runoff and prepare for the general election in Texas’ redrawn 35th District. Republicans are expected to compete aggressively for the seat after redistricting made it more favorable to the GOP.
A related clip showed protesters gathered outside Gracie Mansion during a demonstration criticizing Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s stance on Israel, antisemitism and interfaith relations.
🚨WOW: NYC Patriots have flooded the outside of NYC Mayor Mamdani's Mayoral residence demanding a STOP to the Islamist takeover of NYC.
God bless these patriots.
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— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) May 27, 2026
