Backlash Against Texas Congressional Candidate Maureen Galindo

House Democrats are distancing themselves from Texas congressional candidate Maureen Galindo following her alarming remarks about transforming ICE detention centers into prisons for “American Zionists.”

U.S. Rep. Richie Torres (D-N.Y.) did not hold back, stating, “Maureen Galindo is a morally disgraceful person who should never run for office, let alone hold elected office. She should be ashamed and withdraw from the race.”

Rep. John Olszewski (D-Md.) added, “That kind of rhetoric has no place in our politics. We should not tolerate such anti-Semitism in the House. Supporting such a candidate is unacceptable.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) expressed disbelief, saying, “She must be crazy. There’s something wrong with her; that’s dementia.”

Alarming Social Media Posts

The backlash followed Galindo’s social media pledge, which suggested using ICE detention centers as “prisons for American Zionists and former ICE agents.” This message sparked accusations of anti-Semitism from both sides of the aisle. In the post, Galindo also insinuated that the facilities would serve as castration centers for pedophiles, claiming, “which is probably the majority of Zionists.”

Several House Democrats, who were approached by media, said this was their first time hearing about the controversy, or they simply avoided commenting altogether. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., noted, “I’m sorry I’m late to the committee.” Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., remarked, “I think people who say things like that have a problem.”

Rep. James Clyburn (D-C.) ambiguously stated, “I have no idea about Texas.”

Political Ramifications

Democratic leaders have also pointed fingers at Republicans for seemingly supporting Galindo’s candidacy in Texas’ 35th Congressional District—currently a Democratic seat, with hopes for a Republican shift in the upcoming elections.

There were accusations that Lead Left, a super PAC that spent around $900,000 on promoting Galindo, had ties to the Republican Party. However, no solid evidence has been presented to confirm that Republicans control the PAC. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remarked, “MAGA extremists should be ashamed.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) said, “This is disgusting and absolutely must be condemned.” He added, “The Republicans should be criticized for putting $1 million behind her. Why would they want her to win?”

In her post, Galindo indicated that, if elected, she would advocate for a bill that would label all Zionism and its support as anti-Semitic. While she refuted the anti-Semitism allegations, she stated that she is against “Zionist Jews.”

Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., emphasized, “I think it’s clear that we all have to stand up against anti-Semitism.”

In response to the uproar, Galindo posted a video on Facebook, claiming that, while she has never called for the imprisonment of Jews, she argues for imprisoning “billionaire American Zionists who fund a genocidal prison system involved in human trafficking.”

A Call for Change

Galindo mentioned, “I am against all concentration camps and would like to see them all closed as soon as possible, starting with the many in South Texas,” referring to the ICE detention centers.

As the Texas Democratic primary approaches, Galindo is set to face House candidate Johnny Garcia. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, commented, “She won’t be here,” adding that he trusts the voters in his district will back Garcia.