Democratic Leaders Seek to Block Candidate in Texas Runoff

Democratic leaders are trying to prevent a candidate who has repeatedly expressed antisemitic views from winning their party's nomination in next week's Texas runoff. They have accused Republicans of propping up her campaign. The candidate faces another contender in the runoff for the Democratic nomination in the state's 35th Congressional District, which is located in the San Antonio area.

The district was redrawn by Texas Republicans to boost their party's chances of holding onto the seat in this year's midterms.

Democratic leaders have become alarmed since the candidate received the most votes in the March 3 primary. She earned 29% while her opponent had 27%. They believe the seat could remain competitive, despite redistricting, if their party has a strong year politically, and they're eager to avoid being saddled with a candidate's inflammatory rhetoric.

The runoff comes at a moment of heightened concern about the spread of antisemitism across the political spectrum and questions about how to handle candidates with extreme beliefs.

The candidate's comments included calls for imprisoning "American Zionists," and transforming a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility into a jail for that purpose. " She said national Democrats sought to inflame her comments. Democratic leaders have disavowed the candidate's language.

" A political action committee called Lead Left PAC that bills itself as opposed to President Donald Trump supports the candidate. Democrats argue that the group is funded by Republicans, and the New York Times reported evidence of potential links. Democratic Rep.

" The opposing candidate said in a video posted on social media that the comments have no place in the race. "We should be bringing people together, not spreading hate, division or dangerous rhetoric," he said. Lead Left PAC did not respond to requests for comment.