Texas Republicans Pivot to Anti-Muslim Messaging With Paxton Probe of So-Called 'Sharia City'

Overview

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into a proposed Kaufman County development he labeled a potentially illegal 'Sharia City.'
• Governor Greg Abbott branded a major Muslim rights group a terrorist organization and vowed a total ban on 'Sharia Law,' without detailing how such a ban would work.
• Campaign messaging now highlights Islam, including John Cornyn ads touting a fight against 'radical Islam' and the creation of a 'Sharia-Free America Caucus' by Republican lawmakers.
• A 'Save Texas from Radical Islam' event near Dallas drew activists and Texas House members and featured Steve Bannon, Glenn Beck, and Dutch politician Geert Wilders.
• Muslim residents and leaders report heightened fear and harassment, as some activists call for bans on Islamic dress, halal food, and Ramadan observances.