CIVPAC endorses Johnny Garcia in the Democratic runoff for Texas’s 35th Congressional District.
This is not a difficult call.
Garcia, a Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy, is running against Maureen Galindo, whose campaign has been marred by extreme and antisemitic rhetoric. Democratic leaders across the party have condemned Galindo’s comments, including statements about imprisoning “American Zionists.” That kind of rhetoric has no place in serious politics.
CIVPAC’s purpose is to support candidates who can move American politics toward the center: candidates who are competent, responsible, and capable of representing voters beyond a narrow ideological faction. Galindo fails that test.
Garcia is the better choice for Democrats, for the district, and for voters who want politics conducted with basic seriousness and decency.
This race also illustrates a broader problem. Reports indicate that outside spending from a shadowy political action committee has boosted Galindo, apparently on the theory that she would be easier to defeat in November. CIVPAC rejects that kind of cynical politics. Parties should want to defeat each other by nominating better candidates and winning arguments, not by helping the other side nominate weaker or more extreme candidates.
Texas Democrats should reject extremism and nominate the more responsible candidate.
CIVPAC endorses Johnny Garcia in the Democratic runoff for Texas’s 35th Congressional District.
A Note on the Texas Republican Senate Runoff
CIVPAC is not making an endorsement in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. We expect to evaluate the general election on its own merits. But we do not support Ken Paxton. Texas Republicans should reject candidates whose politics are built around scandal, election denial, and personal loyalty to Donald Trump.
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