Texas Democratic candidate draws party rebuke over remarks on Zionists

A Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas is facing criticism from within her own party after she said she would convert an immigration detention center into a prison for American Zionists.

Maureen Galindo made the remarks in an Instagram post last week. She said the Karnes ICE Detention Center would become a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking. She added that it would also serve as a castration processing center for pedophiles, which she said would probably be most of the Zionists.

Galindo, a sex therapist and housing activist, is running in the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District. She faces Johnny Garcia in a May 26 primary runoff.

Reports show a mystery super PAC with ties to Republicans has spent heavily in Democratic primaries to boost progressive candidates seen as easier general election opponents. The New York Times reported that the group, Lead Left PAC, promoted Galindo in mailers that highlighted her support for dismantling ICE and impeaching President Donald Trump.

Critics have called her remarks antisemitic. The New York Times urged voters not to let her win the runoff against Garcia, who is viewed as a moderate.

In other social media posts, Galindo accused Garcia, a former hostage negotiator and public information officer for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, of wanting Jews and Mexicans in warehouses. She also accused billionaire Zionists of controlling San Antonio and South Texas trafficking networks.

During an appearance on Texas Public Radio last week, Galindo denied being antisemitic while reaffirming her opposition to Zionist Jews. She said her last serious relationship was with a Jewish man and claimed that Zionist Jews own Hollywood, the media, banks and politicians.

Texas State Representative James Talarico, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, said the rhetoric has no place in politics. His campaign confirmed he will not campaign for Galindo if she wins the nomination.

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., called for national Democratic leaders to denounce the comments. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said Galindo should never be allowed to hold public office.