SouthernWorldwide.com – A Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives, who recently called for the imprisonment of “American Zionists,” has attributed the backlash she is facing to the media and her own political party, alleging they have misrepresented her stance.
The candidate, Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist from South Texas, has been drawing criticism for her proposal to repurpose a federal detention facility to incarcerate “American Zionists.” In earlier social media posts, she also accused her Democratic runoff opponent, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office’s Johnny Garcia, of receiving payment to facilitate the placement of “Jews and Mexicans in concentration camps via Zionist trafficking networks.”
In a video shared on social media, Galindo asserted that journalists have distorted her remarks and stated that she has been subjected to threats and hateful messages. She also aimed to clarify her earlier comments regarding the use of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility within her district.
“I apologize to all journalists if I missed your email or social media message; it got lost in a wave of hundreds of death threats and the most vile things. I’m in Texas, I know MAGA. This is worse than MAGA, that’s because MAGA and Zionism is religious overtaking of government,” Galindo stated.
She emphasized that she never proposed the use of an internment camp. Instead, she clarified that her intention was to close all detention centers and imprison “billionaire American Zionists who are funding the genocidal prison systems involved in trafficking.”
Despite this clarification, Galindo reaffirmed her position on imprisoning individuals she described as “billionaire American Zionists,” whom she accused of supporting “genocidal prison systems.”
Galindo claimed that the term “internment camp” was introduced by an unnamed journalist whom she believes wishes her harm.
Furthermore, Galindo directed accusations at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), the campaign arm of House Democrats, alleging that the organization has exacerbated the controversy and criticizing their support for Garcia over her.
She also accused Garcia of acting as the “PR guy” for what she termed the “deadliest jail in all of Texas” and labeled him a “Zionist-backed cop-candidate.”
In a response video, Garcia stated that Galindo’s comments are “unacceptable within our Democratic Party and any position in public service.”
Although Galindo could not be reached directly for immediate comment, her campaign issued a statement on her media page addressing journalists seeking information.
“Maureen never said that she wants anyone in internment camps,” the statement read.
The campaign further clarified that Galindo’s proposal for the Karnes ICE facility to be repurposed would be for “billionaire Zionists” who could practice various faiths, including Evangelism, Catholicism, and Mormonism, not exclusively Judaism.
“It’s their behaviors and actions that will be judged,” the statement added, noting that the refitting of the facility would also create local employment opportunities.
Galindo had previously surprised many by narrowly defeating Garcia in the initial primary election, leading to their current runoff contest.
The congressional district in question is currently represented by “Squad” member Rep. Gregorio Casar of Austin. However, Casar is campaigning in the district of adjacent Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, which also encompasses his current seat, following Doggett’s announcement that he would retire if the new Republican redistricting map is upheld in court.
In response to the controversy, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene of Oregon criticized the situation, placing blame on Republicans for allegedly “propping up” Galindo, whom they described as “antisemitic.”
Read more : Kevin Warsh Assumes Role as New Fed Chair, Succeeding Powell
Jewish Democrats, including Representatives Jared Moskowitz of Florida and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, also condemned Galindo’s remarks. Even some progressive figures, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, denounced her comments as “disgusting.”
