Democrat Maureen Galindo loses Texas primary runoff to Johnny Garcia

Democrat Maureen Galindo, a South Texas sex therapist, lost her primary runoff to Bexar County Sheriff’s Office official Johnny Garcia, the Associated Press reported.

The seat, redrawn after Texas Republicans’ redistricting, is currently held by Rep. Gregorio Casar. Casar is running in an adjacent district being vacated by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, leaving the now red-leaning seat open.

Galindo drew national attention after she was accused of antisemitism for suggesting that “American Zionists” could be held at an ICE detention center in the district. She rejected claims that she was proposing an internment camp.

Galindo had surprised observers by finishing ahead of Garcia in the March primary, forcing Tuesday’s runoff.

Garcia, a San Antonio native, has worked as a police deputy, SWAT hostage negotiator and public information officer. His campaign presented him as an old-school Democrat and the more moderate choice.

Two Republicans are also running in the primary for the seat. One is a relative of nearby GOP Rep. Monica de la Cruz.

House Democratic leaders, including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, condemned Galindo’s comments. In a joint statement, Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee called the language “disqualifying” and said it had “no place in American politics, and certainly not in the Democratic Party.” They added that embracing “a fringe candidate with antisemitic — and extremely dangerous — rhetoric” was “beyond the pale.”