Story perspectives

Texas GOP Candidates Ramp Up Anti-Muslim Rhetoric in Primary

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In the Texas GOP primary, candidates intensify anti-Muslim rhetoric around the proposed East Plano Islamic Center development.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-Texas) rally support by framing the development as a 'Sharia law' threat.
Ads depict Islam as incompatible with American values, and candidates pledge to combat 'Islamification'.
Muslim advocacy groups criticize the messaging as fearmongering, while Texas’ Muslim community grows in size and influence.

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Story summary

In the Texas GOP primary, candidates intensify anti-Muslim rhetoric around the proposed East Plano Islamic Center development.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-Texas) rally support by framing the development as a 'Sharia law' threat.
Ads depict Islam as incompatible with American values, and candidates pledge to combat 'Islamification'.
Muslim advocacy groups criticize the messaging as fearmongering, while Texas’ Muslim community grows in size and influence.