SAN ANTONIO – The Democratic runoff race for U.S. Congressional District 35 has escalated into a contentious debate surrounding allegations of antisemitism and the appropriate representation of Jewish voters. With early voting set to begin on May 18 and Election Day approaching on May 26, candidates Maureen Galindo and Johnny Garcia are engaged in a heated exchange of accusations in press releases and on social media platforms.
Galindo has made provocative statements, asserting her support for Jewish communities, while simultaneously claiming that her opponent is influenced by funding from Jewish donors. “I stand with Jews, and the Jews are saying that Zionists are not real Jews,” she stated, illustrating the contentious nature of the dialogue between the candidates.
Her accusations against Garcia include a claim that he is “funded by the Zionists who control San Antonio.” Galindo has drawn on controversial narratives, referencing the Epstein files to bolster her assertions, which she acknowledges may sound conspiratorial.
Garcia has responded firmly to these claims, labeling them as unfounded conspiracy theories and categorizing Galindo’s remarks as antisemitic. “It just goes to show her growing conspiracy theories and her antisemitic theories as well,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party to denounce such rhetoric, especially in light of the rising antisemitic incidents across the nation.
The backdrop of this political clash includes a newly redrawn District 35, which encompasses a diverse array of areas including San Antonio, Cibolo, Converse, Schertz, Seguin, New Braunfels, and Floresville. Garcia noted that many voters are still unaware of the changes to district lines, which adds another layer of complexity to the candidates’ campaigns.
Both candidates are striving to educate voters about these new boundaries while also clarifying their respective platforms amid the ongoing conflict. The Jewish Federation of San Antonio has taken a stand, condemning what they describe as “the spread of antisemitic tropes” and asserting that “divisive and hateful rhetoric targeting the Jewish community has no place in our civic life.”
As the election date approaches, the discourse surrounding antisemitism and the representation of Jewish voters remains a critical issue in this Democratic runoff, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue and mutual respect in political campaigns.
