The controversial Democrat sex therapist who called for 'a prison for American Zionists' has handily lost her primary election. Maureen Galindo, 38, was defeated in House District 35 by Johnny Garcia, as the Associated Press declared Tuesday night. With 88 percent of the votes counted, Garcia led by nearly 30 points and over 5,000 votes.
Galindo's Controversial Remarks
Galindo, a progressive former sex therapist, stirred national intrigue after suggesting that an immigration detention center be transformed into 'a prison for American Zionists' - a claim widely criticized as anti-Semitic. Her campaign pushed back, asserting that Galindo 'never said' she 'wants anyone in internment camps.' In a statement posted to social media, Galindo largely blamed the media but felt she had won a moral victory regardless. 'I feel like I won because of all the corruption my campaign exposed in the world and all the people we've inspired,' she wrote. 'I'm also sad and deeply disturbed by the local media's role in thwarting the election through false and dangerous headlines, showing how ''yellow journalism'' is a serious threat to the future of American democracy.'
Instagram Post Sparks Outrage
In an Instagram post by her campaign account, Galindo said she would 'turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking. (It will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles which will probably be most of the Zionists).' On her campaign website, Galindo's team attempted to clarify, writing: 'Maureen NEVER said that she wants anyone in internment camps!! She never said ''internment camps''; that was a very unethical journalist desperate to take her down through a screenshottable article title.' However, she still said that she wants the ICE facility to be 'turned into a prison for the billionaire zionists who have profited off genocidal prison state materials and trafficking. Prosecution has nothing to do with religion-- they could be Evangelical, Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, etc.'
Garcia's Victory and Response
Garcia, a more establishment Democrat and former employee of the local sheriff's office, accused the GOP of pushing Galindo to try and beat him. 'Republicans tried to meddle in our election but tonight TX Democrats showed that we won’t stand for hate,' he wrote on social media. 'I’m honored to be your official democratic nominee for Texas’ 35th Congressional District. #TX35 is officially in play. No te metas con Tejas.' Garcia was the institutional candidate backed by two current members who have represented the area, outgoing Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Congressman Greg Casar.
Democratic Establishment Disavows Galindo
Galindo had been slammed and disavowed by the Democrat establishment, from centrists to even 'Squad' member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said such 'vile' speech has 'no place in Democratic politics.' Ocasio-Cortez called her 'bigoted garbage and antisemitism' that should be 'nowhere near politics.' Galindo narrowly beat Garcia 29.2 percent to 27.1 percent in the March 3 Democratic primary. Tuesday's election settled a runoff, which occurs in Texas primaries where no candidate receives a majority of the vote.
Background on Galindo
Galindo previously ran an astrology-themed sex therapy business called Cosmic Kinks Tarot. It offered 'kinky birthchart readings and live tarot therapy' aiming to 'empower individuals through the exploration of their sexuality, spirituality, and the stars.' On her current business website, Exulted Sex Therapy, Galindo notes that she is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. Galindo received a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate license in 2024, according to records. Texas has three licenses that permit the practice of psychology, but neither of those is the Marriage and Family Therapist license that she holds. The licensed psychologist requirements in Texas include a doctoral degree. On January 19, 2022, Galindo filed an 'assumed name' registration with Bexar County, Texas, for an unincorporated business for the name Cosmic Kinks. During her campaign, however, she has not emphasized her prior business ventures, seemingly in an attempt to throw off voters about her past. Three months after filing her business registration on April 13, 2022, the domain for the now-defunct website www.cosmickinkstarot.com was first registered. When previously asked about her business by the Daily Mail, Galindo said she ran the Cosmic Kinks business prior to obtaining her therapist license. 'I supported people in developing healthy and safe sexuality using tarot, astrology, and sex education. It did not involve therapy,' she told the Daily Mail. Tagged posts suggest Galindo also created a since-deleted Instagram handle for the business @cosmic.kinks. Cosmic Kinks Tarot was additionally listed in the Wedding Expert directory of San Antonio Bachelorette Party vendors, including an entry for 'Cosmic Kinks Tarot,' listing the associated phone number as Galindo's personal cell.
Upcoming General Election
Garcia will go head-to-head with the winner of the Republican primary runoff, either State Representative John Lujan or Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz - who was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Carlos is also the brother of Texas Republican Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz. In the March Republican primary, Lujan received 33 percent of the vote while De La Cruz secured 26.81 percent.
