Texas Muslims Boost Voter Engagement Amid Islamophobia Concerns Ahead of Midterms

Texas Muslims are stepping up political engagement ahead of the midterm elections, citing concerns about anti-Muslim rhetoric, discrimination and how Islam is portrayed in public schools.

Texas Muslims Vote Early at Frisco Mosque Event

Members of the Islamic Center of Frisco held their first “BBQ and Ballots” event, combining a community barbecue with early voting, Muslim Network TV reported. The mosque does not endorse candidates, but attendees agreed that Muslim Texans need a stronger political voice. Sarah Asrar, a newly naturalized citizen and mother of three, cast her first ballot there. She said she voted mostly for Democrats because she opposes the state’s new social studies curriculum, and that her daughter feels she must hide her faith. Nauman Shafi, a member of the mosque’s civic committee, said some congregants who have traditionally backed Republicans are reconsidering because of the rhetoric. Other attendees stressed taking part without unquestioning loyalty to either party.

Why Texas Muslim Voters Are Stepping Up

Several developments have raised concern in the community: Gov. Greg Abbott’s designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist organization, Republican-backed proposals to ban Sharia, and a state-approved social studies curriculum that critics say shows Islam mainly through conquest and conflict. Controversies over mosque construction and remarks by local candidates added to the tension. Abbott’s office has said he will act against any group that violates the Constitution and state law, regardless of faith, the Dallas Morning News reported.

Muslim Voters and the Texas Senate Race

Participation could matter in the closely watched U.S. Senate race between Democratic state Rep. James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Yameen Ahmed, a volunteer for Talarico’s campaign, said he has seen a marked rise in Islamophobia in Texas this year and believes Muslims could be a critical swing group if turnout is strong.

Texas Muslims Turn to Courts and Coalitions

Muslim Texans are also using the courts and coalitions. Muslim Network TV reported that Islamic schools first shut out of Texas’s school voucher program were admitted after Muslim families sued. At the Texas Tribune Festival, panelists said life as a Muslim in Texas has largely been positive but that hostility is clearly rising. Abdullah Antepli, president of the Rothko Chapel in Houston, and four other Muslim scholars circulated an op-ed against Republican rhetoric on Sharia and asked legislators to meet with them. Panelists praised Frisco Mayor Mark Hill, a Republican, for speaking out against hatred. Antepli said progress will take education and difficult interfaith conversations.

Sources: Muslim Network TV; ABNA English