House Democrats are publicly distancing themselves from Texas congressional candidate Maureen Galindo after she made controversial remarks about turning ICE detention centers into prisons for “American Zionists.”
Several Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized Galindo, saying her comments were antisemitic and unacceptable for anyone seeking public office.
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York called Galindo a “moral disgrace” and said she should withdraw from the race. Rep. John Olszewski of Maryland said that kind of rhetoric has no place in politics or in the House of Representatives. Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York went even further, describing the comments as “demented.”
The backlash stems from social media posts in which Galindo pledged to convert ICE detention centers into a prison for “American Zionists and former ICE officers.” In the same post, she also referred to using the facility as a castration center for pedophiles and linked that claim to Zionists, prompting condemnation from both parties.
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Some Democratic lawmakers said they were hearing about the controversy for the first time, while others avoided commenting directly.
Top House Democrats have also accused Republicans of trying to elevate Galindo’s candidacy in Texas’ 35th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by a Democrat, and Republicans hope to compete for it in the upcoming election.
Democrats pointed to spending by the super PAC Lead Left, which has reportedly spent around $900,000 promoting Galindo. Some Democrats have alleged the PAC has ties to Republicans, though no public proof has emerged showing Republican control of the group.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders condemned Galindo’s comments while also accusing Republican-aligned forces of boosting her campaign.
Rep. Pete Aguilar of California said the comments must be condemned, but also questioned why Republicans would support a candidate with such controversial views.
Galindo has denied being antisemitic. In a later video, she said she never called for Jewish people to be imprisoned and claimed her remarks were aimed at “billionaire American Zionists” who she accused of funding abusive prison systems.
She also said she opposes internment camps and wants ICE detention centers shut down, starting with facilities in South Texas.
Despite her explanation, Democratic criticism has continued. Rep. Jonathan Jackson of Illinois said lawmakers must take a clear stand against antisemitism.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas said he does not believe Galindo will win and expressed confidence that voters in the district will support her Democratic opponent, Johnny Garcia.
The controversy has created a political problem for Democrats as they work to defend a Texas House seat while also responding to accusations of antisemitism inside their own party.
🔴 Texas Democratic primary candidate faces expulsion threats over antisemitic posts
Maureen Galindo, running in Texas’ 35th district Democratic primary runoff against Johnny Garcia on Tuesday, posted on Instagram that she would convert Karnes ICE Detention Center into a “prison… pic.twitter.com/7cNFZ0vvNn
— NewsTongue (@NewsTongueX) May 23, 2026
