Growing backlash over Galindo comments clouds final stretch of key TX-35 Democratic runoff

Key Points:

• The Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 35th Congressional District has become highly contentious after candidate Maureen Galindo made controversial statements about Israel, Zionism, and Jewish influence, drawing condemnation from Jewish leaders and national Democrats.
• Galindo, a housing activist and sex therapist, leads the runoff against Bexar County sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia, who supports ICE, contrasting with Galindo's opposition to the agency.
• Galindo’s remarks, which include claims about "Israeli Zionists" influencing local politics and ICE training with the Israel Defense Forces, have been criticized as antisemitic by political scientists and Democratic leaders, though she denies these accusations.
• The race is further complicated by support from Lead Left PAC, a political action committee with unclear funding sources that backs far-left Democrats and has been accused by some of acting in Republican interests; Galindo denies any coordination with the PAC.
• The winner of the runoff will face the Republican nominee in a district redrawn to favor Republicans, but Democrats remain hopeful due to the district’s large Hispanic population and declining support for Trump.