A Shift in the GOP: From Immigration to Islamophobia

For years, the Republican party has focused on immigration as a key political issue. However, with illegal crossings slowing, a new focus is emerging: Islamophobia. This shift is becoming increasingly apparent in Texas, particularly as the March 3 primary approaches.

Echoes of Bigotry

The rhetoric employed by some candidates echoes sentiments that would be widely condemned if directed at other religious groups. Larry Brock, a candidate for state representative, recently called for a ban on the burqa, hijab, abaya, and niqab – coverings worn by some Muslim women – and expressed opposition to halal meat and the celebration of Ramadan. As one comparison, a similar call to ban religious garments or dietary practices of other faiths would be considered blatant bigotry.

Beyond Brock: A Wider Trend

Brock is not an isolated case. Aaron Reitz, a candidate for attorney general, has aired an ad accusing politicians of importing “millions of Muslims” into the country, linking this to increased terrorism and crime, and even suggesting the creation of “illegal cities” governed by Sharia law. Chip Roy, a Republican Representative and co-founder of the “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” has proposed amending the Texas Constitution to prevent “Islamification” by “radical Marxists.” Incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn has also engaged in this rhetoric, accusing his opponent of being “soft on radical Islam” and characterizing it as a “bloodthirsty ideology.”

The EPIC City Controversy

Much of the recent attention centers on a proposed real estate development, EPIC City, initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center. The development, intended as a Muslim-centered community, has been falsely characterized by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as a potentially illegal “Sharia City,” prompting investigations from both state and federal authorities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development investigated after the Justice Department closed its probe, finding the developers agreed to abide by federal fair housing laws.

A Search for a New Scapegoat

Experts suggest this shift is a strategic response to changing political dynamics. With immigration enforcement under Donald Trump slowing illegal crossings, Republicans are seeking a new issue to galvanize their base. Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, notes that while general support for tough immigration policies remains high, support for specific aggressive measures has declined. This creates a need for a new “scapegoat” to tap into cultural identity issues and unify the GOP.

Demographic Context

Muslims represent approximately 2% of the adult population in Texas, estimated to be between 300,000 and 500,000 residents in a state of nearly 32 million. Despite being a relatively small percentage of the population, this group has become a focal point for political rhetoric.

Recent Incidents

The resurgence of anti-Muslim sentiment is not limited to Texas. Florida Republican Representative Randy Fine faced calls for censure after posting on X (formerly Twitter) that, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,” and subsequently doubling down with images of dogs and the slogan “Don’t tread on me.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued an executive order designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as terrorist organizations.