Republicans Target Islam's Growing Influence Ahead of US Midterms
Ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, Republican politicians are increasingly focusing on the growing influence of Muslims in American society, framing it as a threat. Vice President JD Vance has labeled Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim, as "very, very evil" and accused him of justifying terrorism following his remarks on a synagogue attack. In Texas, Republican Governor Greg Abbott is opposing the construction of EPIC City, a new residential development planned by the Muslim organization East Plano Islamic Center near Dallas, citing concerns about potential Sharia law implementation and "Sharia courts." Project representatives deny these claims, asserting adherence to US law.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, running for governor, has warned of "radical Islam," stating, "The enemy is already inside the gates." These concerns have also reached Congress, with Republican Representatives Keith Self and Chip Roy forming the "Sharia Free America Caucus," and Representative Randy Fine introducing legislation to counter the "spread of Sharia."
Muslims constitute about 1.6% of the US population, with their numbers having more than doubled to 5.5 million since 2007. In recent years, American Muslims have gained political traction, with several elected to the House of Representatives and Muslim mayors and state-level officials taking office. El-Sayed could become the first Muslim US Senator.
El-Sayed became a focal point after condemning a March attack where a man drove a car into a synagogue with children inside. El-Sayed noted that the attacker's relatives had recently died in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, stating, "People who are hurting, hurt others." He later apologized, acknowledging his words could be misunderstood. Vance interpreted this as an attempt to justify terrorism. El-Sayed retorted that "evil" is denying healthcare, raising costs, and dividing people.
Republicans also criticize El-Sayed for past associations with a blogger who suggested the US "deserved" 9/11 and for comments on American loneliness linked to smartphones. Tuberville suggested those who "hate America" should move to Egypt. Abbott also demanded an investigation into ritual washing facilities at two Texas airports, claiming public airports shouldn't favor one religion, a claim the mayor of Houston disputes.
Reuters notes this Republican focus on Islam comes amid low approval ratings for Donald Trump and concerns over the cost of living and the Iran conflict. Professor Aaron Hughes of the University of Rochester suggests Republicans are using the Islam issue to distract from real problems, calling it "fear-mongering." The report also acknowledges that anti-Islam rhetoric has not been exclusive to Republicans, citing a past comment by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo regarding a Muslim mayor during 9/11.
