Maureen Galindo, a Texas Democratic congressional candidate running in the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District near San Antonio, posted a video Thursday clarifying her position after facing sharp condemnation from members of her own party over remarks about converting an immigration detention center into what she called a "prison for American Zionists."
Galindo said she never called for Jews to be placed in internment camps. She stated that she wants to close all ICE detention centers and instead imprison billionaire American Zionists who she alleged are funding human trafficking operations. The Karnes ICE Detention Center, located between San Antonio and Houston, has been the subject of her statements.
Galindo said she received hundreds of death threats and other hostile messages following her initial remarks. She accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee of coordinating statements against her to support her primary runoff opponent, Johnny Garcia, a former hostage negotiator and public information officer for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats have moved quickly to distance themselves from Galindo. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene issued a joint statement calling her rhetoric "vile" and "disqualifying." The statement did not elaborate on potential consequences if she advances to the general election.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was among the notable Democrats who condemned Galindo's remarks. U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., also publicly distanced himself from the candidate. Texas State Representative James Talarico, a progressive voice in the state legislature, joined the chorus of criticism.
The DCCC has endorsed Garcia for the runoff election. Earlier this month, the committee accused Washington Republicans of secretly contributing to Galindo's campaign through dark money spending, which Galindo denied.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have pointed to Galindo's remarks as evidence of extreme positions within segments of the Democratic Party. National Republican organizations are likely to use her statements in future general election messaging if she advances past the primary.
Galindo has accused "billionaire Zionists" of controlling trafficking networks in San Antonio and South Texas. She also claimed that Garcia wants "Jews and Mexicans in warehouses," a characterization his campaign has not publicly addressed.
The Karnes County facility, operated by a private prison company, has been the subject of previous controversy over detention conditions. Galindo said she is "against all internment camps" and wants to see them closed, including facilities in South Texas.
What the Numbers Show
In the initial matchup for the 35th District Democratic nomination, Galindo received 29% of votes while Garcia earned 27%. Neither candidate cleared the 50% threshold required to win the nomination outright, triggering next week's runoff election.
The 35th Congressional District was redrawn following the latest redistricting process. The district includes parts of San Antonio and surrounding areas in Bexar County, a traditionally Democratic stronghold in statewide elections.
Galindo is a family therapist and housing advocate by profession. Garcia's background includes serving as a hostage negotiator for local law enforcement.
The Bottom Line
The primary runoff between Galindo and Garcia is scheduled to take place next week. If Galindo advances despite party condemnation, national Democrats will face decisions about whether to support her candidacy or risk alienating moderate voters in a competitive district.
Party leaders' swift condemnation reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic coalition over Israel policy and rhetoric toward pro-Israel advocacy groups. The episode highlights how primary contests can produce candidates who clash with broader party messaging. Republicans are expected to monitor the outcome closely, as the winner will face likely Republican opposition in November's general election.