Full Breakdown
Texas Democratic Runoff in 35th District Dominated by Antisemitism Dispute
5/16/2026, 8:18:32 PM
Runoff Contest and Stakes
The Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 35th Congressional District is set for May 26, pitting housing activist Maureen Galindo against Bexar County sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia. Galindo topped the March primary with 29.2 % of the vote, narrowly ahead of Garcia’s 27 %, making the runoff the decisive contest for the district’s Democratic nominee.
Redistricting Overview
The GOP-led redistricting added San Antonio, Cibolo, Converse, Schertz, Seguin, New Braunfels, Floresville and parts of Guadalupe, Wilson and Karnes counties, creating a Hispanic-majority district that swung 10 points toward Donald Trump in 2024.
Candidates, Support and Funding
Galindo, a sex therapist and housing activist, has spent about $11,000 and is backed by Lean Left, a Florida super PAC. Garcia, a sheriff’s deputy, is endorsed by Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), which has funded an ad push. Jewish Federation of San Antonio and San Antonio Jewish Community Relations Council condemned Galindo’s rhetoric. Galindo cited AIPAC as a funding source for Garcia, a claim Garcia denies.
Official Statements & Responses
James Talarico said Galindo’s “antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics.” Garcia called her remarks “antisemitic” and pledged to combat such language. The Jewish Federation of San Antonio “strongly condemns the spread of antisemitic tropes,” and the San Antonio Jewish Community Relations Council denounced “hateful speech, including antisemitic tropes.” Garcia denied AIPAC funding; Galindo declined to condemn Lean Left.
Criticism & Opposition
Garcia’s campaign called Galindo’s statements “conspiracy theories” that threaten safety. Former opponents John Lira and Whitney Masterson-Moyes withdrew their endorsements, citing “derogatory, inflammatory and conspiratorial statements.” DMFI’s Brian Romick warned Galindo’s “vile, antisemitic conspiracies” could endanger a Democratic House majority. Progressives said Garcia’s DMFI endorsement may have hurt his standing among Democratic voters, while Galindo’s anti-establishment stance boosted her runoff bid.
Conflicting Claims & Gaps
Galindo claimed ICE is “trained by the Israel Defense Forces” and called it “an Israeli occupation of America,” while Garcia described ICE as a domestic agency vital for safety. Galindo alleged Garcia receives AIPAC funding; Garcia denied it. Reports tie Lean Left to Republican donors, yet Galindo says she has no contact with the PAC and is unaware of its origins.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics. We need leadership in both parties willing to stand up and call out hate wherever it rears its ugly head,” — James Talarico, Texas State Representative
- “I am against Zionist Jews.” — Maureen Galindo, Texas Public Radio interview
- “Divisive and hateful rhetoric targeting the Jewish community has no place in our civic life.” — Jewish Federation of San Antonio
What’s Next
Early voting runs through May 25; the runoff is on May 26. The winner will face Republican John Lujan or Trump-backed Carlos De La Cruz in November. Community groups urge both candidates to dialogue with the Jewish community and avoid rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
