Johnny Garcia won the Democratic primary runoff for Texas’s 35th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating Maureen Galindo in a closely watched race. Garcia received 60.5% of the vote to Galindo’s 39.5%, according to the Associated Press. The runoff followed a March primary where Galindo narrowly led with 29.2% of the vote compared to Garcia’s 27.1%.
Galindo faced significant backlash over social media posts critics condemned as antisemitic. In one post, she suggested turning the Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for 'American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking,' adding it would also be a 'castration processing center for pedophiles.' House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the remarks as 'vile' and having 'no place in Democratic politics.' Several Jewish House Democrats said they would support expelling Galindo if she won the seat.
Garcia, a former spokesman for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, secured endorsements from prominent Texas Democrats, including Rep. Greg Casar and Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. The 35th District, newly redrawn in redistricting, is considered more Republican-leaning than in past elections. The Republican runoff was won by Carlos De La Cruz, who defeated state Rep. John Lujan with 57.7% of the vote.
Galindo’s campaign also faced scrutiny over financing, with reports that her campaign received thousands of dollars from Lead Left PAC, which Democrats allege has ties to Republican operatives. Garcia launched his campaign in October, emphasizing his experience in law enforcement and public service.