Texas Muslims mobilize against Islamophobia for midterms
Amid Islamophobic rhetoric, religious discrimination and controversy over school curricula, Muslim voters in Frisco are stepping up engagement and demanding accountability from candidates
HOUSTON (MNTV) – As Texas prepares for the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Muslim voters are increasing their political engagement amid concerns over rising Islamophobia, religious discrimination and the portrayal of Islam in public education.
Their participation could prove significant in the closely watched U.S. Senate race between Democratic state Rep. James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Members of the Islamic Center of Frisco organized their first “BBQ and Ballots” event on Saturday, combining a community barbecue with early voting to encourage civic participation.
Although the mosque does not endorse candidates, attendees agreed that Muslim Texans need a stronger political voice.
Concerns have intensified following Gov. Greg Abbott’s designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations as a terrorist organization, Republican-backed proposals to ban Shariah (Islamic law) and a new state-approved social studies curriculum that critics say disproportionately portrays Islam through conquest and conflict.
Controversies over mosque construction and Islamophobic remarks by local candidates have further heightened tensions.
Sarah Asrar, a newly naturalized citizen and mother of three, cast her first ballot on Saturday, saying she voted predominantly for Democrats because she opposed the state’s new social studies curriculum.
“They just want to paint us in a bad light,” she said.
“My daughter feels like she needs to hide her religion.”
Nauman Shafi, a member of the mosque’s civic committee, said some congregants who traditionally supported Republicans were reconsidering because of Islamophobic rhetoric.
Other attendees stressed the importance of participating without unquestioningly supporting either party.
Yameen Ahmed, who volunteered for Talarico’s campaign, said he had seen a marked increase in Islamophobia in Texas this year and hoped greater Muslim turnout would push politicians to address the community’s concerns.
“There is a chance that we could be a critical swing demographic,” Ahmed said.
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