Democrats Engage in Internal Conflict Over Their Candidate Who Aims to Imprison ‘American Zionists’

House Democrats Respond to Texas Representative’s Controversial Comments

On Wednesday, House Democrats took a strong stance against Texas Rep. Maureen Galindo after her inflammatory remarks regarding “American Zionists.” In an Instagram post from May 13, Galindo suggested turning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing centers into prisons for those she labeled as “American Zionists” and former ICE agents, accusing them of involvement in “human trafficking.”

Democratic Representatives Jared Moskowitz (Florida) and Josh Gottheimer (New Jersey) condemned Galindo’s comments as “insane” and “anti-Semitic.” They pledged to pursue her expulsion from the House should she win the election. “If Maureen Galindo secures a victory in the TX-35 state House election, we’ll push for her removal every day we’re in session,” they stated. “Her extreme anti-Semitic views—like placing Americans in concentration camps—have no place in our party or in our country.”

It’s notable that while most American Jews view themselves as Zionists—estimates suggest up to 95%—some do not identify with the term. A considerable portion of American Jews, around 86%, express a favorable opinion of Israel.

Galindo emerged at the top of the Democratic primary for Texas’ 35th Congressional District and is now in a runoff against Johnny Garcia, a Sheriff’s Deputy. This runoff situation arises when no candidate achieves a majority of the votes in the primary.

A shadowy political action committee (PAC) is reportedly spending significant funds to boost Galindo’s chances in the election. Some Democrats contend that certain Republicans may be backing her to ensure a weaker opponent for their candidate.

“House Republican leadership must cease support for this anti-Semitic candidate immediately,” urged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Susan DelBene.

Galindo posits that Zionists are detrimental to Jews and must face imprisonment. Her campaign indicated that if she enters Congress, she would propose legislation branding all Zionism and its supporters as anti-Semitic, asserting that “Zionists are harming Jews.” Her plan includes repurposing an ICE detention center into a prison for American Zionists and former agents involved in human trafficking.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York also condemned Galindo’s remarks, calling on the super PAC backing her to disclose their contributors. She expressed, “This is completely disgusting. This bigoted rhetoric and anti-Semitism have no place in our politics. If you’re in TX-35, please vote for Johnny Garcia. The donors funding her should be revealed.”

Additionally, Galindo has stated her intention to hold elected officials accountable, claiming she would prosecute anyone who has accepted funds from pro-Israel lobbyists for treason.