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Texas Democrat advances to runoff despite party criticism over Israel remarks

Maureen Galindo placed first in the March 3 primary for Texas' 35th Congressional District. She will face Johnny Garcia in a May 26 runoff after her comments drew condemnation from Democratic leaders.

Cnn
1 source·May 26, 9:00 AM(3 days ago)·1m read
Texas Democrat advances to runoff despite party criticism over Israel remarksfinancialpost.com
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Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist and housing advocate, received the most votes in the March 3 Democratic primary for Texas' 35th Congressional District. She spent $5,344.50 through the end of March, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Her statements about Israel drew attention after the primary.

Party response and spending Johnny Garcia finished second in the primary and received endorsements from the Democratic Majority for Israel and support from BDA PAC, which spent nearly $1 million on his behalf. Garcia said that greater awareness of Galindo's comments before the first round would have changed the outcome.

" John Lira, who placed fourth, withdrew his earlier endorsement after reviewing the remarks. The runoff occurs after Texas Republicans redrew the district lines last year. The new boundaries would have favored former President Trump by 10 points in 2024, according to a CNN analysis.

The winner will face either state Rep. John Lujan or Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz in November.

Key Facts

March 3 primary result
Galindo received most votes in Texas 35th District primary
Campaign spending
Galindo raised $5,344.50 through end of March
Outside spending
BDA PAC spent nearly $1 million supporting Garcia

Story Timeline

4 events
  1. December

    Galindo wrote she would not accept Israel's blood money.

    1 sourceCnn
  2. January

    Galindo posted that Jewish church leadership holds dominant economic and political power.

    1 sourceCnn
  3. March 3

    Galindo placed first in the Democratic primary for Texas' 35th District.

    1 sourceCnn
  4. May

    Galindo said in a Texas Public Radio interview that the U.S. is occupied by Israel.

    1 sourceCnn

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    The runoff winner will face either state Rep. John Lujan or Carlos De La Cruz in November.

  2. 02

    Voter turnout in the runoff may differ from the March primary electorate.

  3. 03

    Democratic groups may increase spending to support Garcia before the runoff.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count312 words
PublishedMay 26, 2026, 9:00 AM
Bias signals removed3 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 1Framing 1Amplifying 1

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