House Democrats are racing to contain fallout from Texas congressional candidate Maureen Galindo, who said she wants to turn an ICE facility into a "prison for American Zionists." Party leaders have issued joint statements condemning the remarks, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC chair Suzan DelBene calling on Republican leadership to stop supporting what they call an "antisemitic candidacy."
A mysterious PAC has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to boost Galindo, a move Democrats allege is a Republican scheme to weaken their general election chances. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a GOP-aligned group, declined to say whether it is behind the spending. Galindo did not respond to requests for comment.
In a sharp escalation, Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Jared Moskowitz threatened to force expulsion votes every day if Galindo wins and is sworn in. "Maureen's insane, antisemitic views — including putting Americans in concentration camps — have no place in Congress," they said in a joint statement Tuesday.
The controversy has consumed Democratic leadership just months before the November election, diverting attention from policy messaging. Some party strategists worry the episode could depress turnout among Jewish voters and moderate swing voters in key districts.
The incident underscores the broader challenge of policing extremist rhetoric in an increasingly polarized political landscape. It remains unclear whether Galindo will secure the nomination or if Democratic efforts to isolate her will succeed before primary voters.