In her bid for a newly established congressional seat in Texas, Democratic candidate Maureen Galindo has emphasized her background as a ‘psychologist’ as a key aspect of her campaign and public image. However, there is a notable discrepancy in her qualifications.
Galindo, who is 38 and identifies as a ‘single mom of three,’ does not actually hold a doctorate in psychology nor does she possess a psychologist’s license. This revelation has raised eyebrows, particularly given her unconventional professional history.
In an intriguing twist, Galindo previously managed an astrology-themed sex therapy venture named Cosmic Kinks Tarot. This business specialized in ‘kinky birth chart readings and live tarot therapy,’ with the goal of empowering individuals by exploring their sexuality, spirituality, and astrology.
Currently, Galindo operates another business, Exulted Sex Therapy, where she identifies as a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. According to official records, she obtained her Marriage and Family Therapist Associate license in 2024.
In Texas, the practice of psychology requires one of three specific licenses, none of which is the Marriage and Family Therapist license that Galindo holds. To be recognized as a licensed psychologist in the state, one must earn a doctoral degree.
Additionally, on January 19, 2022, Galindo registered an ‘assumed name’ with Bexar County, Texas, for her unincorporated business, Cosmic Kinks. This move reflects a broader pattern of her creative and somewhat unconventional approach to professional endeavors.
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.
Maureen Galindo was the top vote-getter in the Democratic primary in Texas’s 35th congressional district
In another video posted to Instagram, Galindo described herself as a ‘liberation psychologist’
Galindo described herself as a ‘psychologist’ in a video she posted on Facebook
When 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.
While Galindo is a licensed family therapist, she consistently refers to herself as a psychologist.
The Instagram bio for her ‘Maureen for Congress’ profile describes her as a community psychologist. And in videos posted to social media, Galindo has described herself as ‘a psychologist.’
Texas has a separate psychologist license, which Galindo has not obtained. Becoming a psychologist also typically requires a doctorate degree, not a master’s degree, which Galindo does have. In most US states and many countries, the title ‘psychologist’ is legally protected. Using it without a license can violate state law.
When asked about the discrepancy by the Daily Mail, Galindo replied, ‘I have a Master’s in Community Psychology. Look up what a community psychologist is.’
Visitors to Galindo’s business website are also encouraged to ‘inquire about including an astrology report’ in their services.
Galindo, the top finisher in the March primary in Texas, is currently competing in the May 26 runoff against the national Democrats’ preferred pick, Johnny Garcia.
Garcia describes himself as ‘old school Democrat,’ and he works for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Two Republicans are also facing off in their own primary later this month for the chance to run in the general election for a newly created Texas Congressional seat.
A listing for Galindo’s business, Cosmic Kinks, on MapQuest
Galindo out campaigning for office in Somerset, Texas
Galindo wrote on Threads in March last year that she ‘recently offered to clients that ChatGPT could support some of their problems’
Galindo lists her proper credentials on the website for her business, Exulted Sex Therapy
On a cover for a forthcoming ebook, Maureen says she is a ‘pleasure advocate’
One of the GOP candidates is Carlos De La Cruz, the brother of current Republican US Representative Monica De La Cruz, and the other is John Lujan. Lujan was the top vote-getter in the GOP primary.
The newly drawn district is a competitive seat in the general election, with an R+4 rating per the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voting Index.
Texas Republicans passed a new congressional district map in August last year, following a Department of Justice claim that four Democratic-led districts were racially gerrymandered.
The remapped districts could flip as many as five Democratic seats in this year’s midterm elections, including Texas’s 35th district.
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