Controversy Clouds Final Stretch of Texas Congressional Runoff

A high-stakes Democratic primary runoff in South Central Texas has descended into volatility following a wave of backlash against candidate Maureen Galindo. As voters prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the contest for Texas’ 35th Congressional District has been overshadowed by intense scrutiny regarding the candidate’s public comments.

The Origins of the Conflict

Maureen Galindo, a housing activist and sex therapist, secured a spot in the runoff after finishing first in the March primary with 29.2% of the vote, totaling 15,931 votes. She is competing against Johnny Garcia, a Bexar County sheriff’s deputy who garnered 27.0% of the vote, or 14,743 ballots.

The campaign environment shifted dramatically following Galindo’s appearance on Texas Public Radio’s The Source on May 14, 2026. During the interview, Galindo claimed that “Israeli Zionists” were exerting influence over local and South Texas politics. She further alleged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) trains with the Israel Defense Forces.

Backlash and Political Fallout

The remarks drew immediate condemnation from local Jewish leaders and national Democratic figures, who characterized the statements as antisemitic. Galindo has consistently denied this characterization.

The controversy has sparked a broader institutional response. Democratic leaders in both Texas and Washington have publicly denounced the comments, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has launched an 11th-hour ad buy targeting Galindo in the final days of the race.

Campaign Dynamics

Despite the national scrutiny, some local support for Galindo remains visible. On the final day of early voting, supporters associated with the Tejano Democrats campaigned for her outside the San Antonio Mission Branch Library. Emilio Peña, a member of the group, noted that the local chapter endorsed Galindo following a membership vote. Peña cited Garcia’s position on immigration enforcement—specifically his support for ICE—as a primary driver for the organization’s decision to back Galindo.

Key Takeaways

• The Candidates: The runoff features Maureen Galindo and Johnny Garcia, competing for the Democratic nomination in Texas’ 35th Congressional District.
• The Controversy: Galindo’s comments regarding “Israeli Zionists” and ICE have triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders and Jewish organizations.
• National Involvement: The DCCC has intervened in the final stretch of the campaign with an ad buy directed against Galindo.
• Local Polarization: While national and local Democratic leadership has distanced itself from the candidate, some local grassroots support persists, largely centered on disagreements regarding immigration policy.

As the runoff concludes on May 26, the race stands as a stark example of how national rhetoric and foreign policy debates can dominate local congressional contests. Whether the backlash against Galindo will translate into a decisive outcome for Johnny Garcia remains the central question for voters in the district.