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The comments have intensified scrutiny of Galindo’s campaign as she heads into a closely watched Democratic runoff scheduled for later this month. Opponents and critics say her rhetoric has grown increasingly extreme, while supporters have largely remained quiet as the controversy expands.
In recent days, Galindo has also accused her opponent in the runoff, former Bexar County public information officer Johnny Garcia, of being tied to a human trafficking conspiracy that she has linked to “billionaire zionist Jews.” She further escalated tensions during a Texas Public Radio interview, where she stated she would pursue legal action against Garcia on charges of treason.
The candidate’s broader messaging has also come under fire. Galindo has repeatedly shared claims online alleging that a coordinated group of Jewish “zionists” controls major institutions, including Hollywood, the media, and political systems. These assertions have fueled criticism from political observers and community leaders who say her statements cross into dangerous conspiracy territory.
Galindo has defended her language by arguing she is not referring to Jewish people broadly, but rather to political “zionists.” In interviews with the San Antonio Current and other outlets, she has insisted her criticism is directed at those who support the existence of a Jewish state in what she calls their ancestral homeland.
“I think it’s actually the zionists who are putting Jewish people at the most risk,” Galindo told the Current last week.
However, her explanation has done little to quiet the backlash. The San Antonio Jewish Federation issued a sharp condemnation of her remarks, warning that such rhetoric contributes to the spread of harmful stereotypes.
“The JFSA strongly condemns the spread of antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories in public discourse,” the group said in a statement responding to Galindo’s remarks. “Divisive and hateful rhetoric targeting the Jewish community has no place in our civic life.”
As the controversy has grown, political fallout has begun to ripple through Galindo’s own party. Some Democrats who previously supported or aligned with her campaign are now distancing themselves, concerned about the impact her statements could have on a district already considered competitive and politically sensitive.
John Lira, who previously lost to Galindo in the primary race, has since withdrawn his endorsement. Meanwhile, State Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, also signaled he would not appear alongside Galindo if she advances beyond the runoff.
“This antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics,” Talarico told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “We need leadership in both parties willing to stand up and call out hate where it rears its ugly head.”
The 35th Congressional District, which stretches across the San Antonio-to-Austin corridor, was significantly reshaped through redistricting and is expected to be a key battleground. The district has seen competitive races in past cycles, and both parties are watching the current runoff closely.
Galindo, meanwhile, has built a visible online profile by combining progressive policy positions with a series of provocative and controversial claims that have drawn national attention. Critics argue that her messaging has moved beyond standard political discourse and into rhetoric that risks inflaming tensions.
Early voting in the runoff continues through Friday, May 22, with Election Day set for Tuesday, May 26. The Bexar County Elections Department has published full details on polling locations and voting hours for residents participating in the race.
